Tomas Soucek - A dream signing for West Ham and Fantasy Football fans

While many bemoan the January transfer window, citing a lack of value in the market as a major frustration - particularly for Premier League clubs with lesser budgets - for some it represents a big opportunity to strengthen.

There is no question that Manchester United's signing of Bruno Fernandes in the window gone by has given them the platform to mount what looks increasingly likely to be a successful return to the Champions League, but the Red Devils will lineup against another player tonight that has had a significant impact on his new club.

The arrival of Tomas Soucek at West Ham has given the London outfit a much needed boost in their battle against the drop and the giant Czech international has made a giant impression on the Hammers fanbase. Arriving on an initial loan deal with an option to buy, the Hammers are unsurprisingly looking to do just that  and expected to conclude said formalities before long.

An unmissable presence in the middle of the park, the 25-year-old arrived at the club from Slavia Prague with the task of helping Declan Rice to protect an inconsistent back four.

However, it doesn't take a great deal of research to see that Soucek is not solely a defensive player. His goal return with the Czech champions, not just in the league but in Europe too was impressive prior to his move to England and would lead many to assume that he must be on penalty duties. However, while the vast majority of said strikes follow a pattern, it's becoming increasingly clear to those unaware of Soucek prior to his Premier League switch what that is.

The midfielder stands at 6'4", meaning he not only dominates the aerial battle in the middle of the park - a whopping 6.6 aerial duels won per 90 is miles ahead of closest midfield challenger Philip Billing (3.9) - but also in the opposition box. With goals in three of his last five appearances, Soucek may have seemed an unlikely goalscoring saviour for West Ham but his threat from set pieces is simply unparalleled.

The manner with which the midfielder attacked the ball into the box for West Ham's second goal in their huge win against Watford was the best example yet of how Soucek - particularly in a mismatch with a full-back - is impossible to stop in the air. While nominally operating from a deep midfield position, the Czech international is very adept at arriving late in the box to meet inviting deliveries into the box and as such, this purple patch in front of goal should not be considered a fluke.

Of the 20 shots Soucek has attempted in the Premier League, 13 have come from open play, proving that he is not just a weapon from set pieces. Moreover, he's not just an aerial battering ram either, and the panic that he causes in the opposition box can often lead to attempts with his feet (12), and not just his head (eight).

In that sense, West Ham have bagged a very unique player. He is perhaps the closest in that respect to Marouane Fellaini, who was much maligned during his time at Manchester United but made a name for himself under one David Moyes at Everton and proved to be a hugely successful signing for the Toffees.

You won't see as many flailing limbs from Soucek, averaging just one foul per 90 and yet to be booked, but the productivity in the final third is apparent. As such, the 25-year-old should be a must have in many a fantasy football team next season, likely to remain undervalued and perhaps underappreciated early on.

There is no doubt, however, that Soucek will be a staple in this West Ham side for some time - provided bigger offers don't flow in - with some fans already earmarking the midfielder as a future club captain, should they fail to keep hold of Rice at least.

A rating of 7.19 is enough to rank second for the club to the in form Michail Antonio and indeed second to that man Fernandes of new recruits to the league in January. While his opponent this week may have grabbed the headlines, Soucek deserves immense credit for his part in West Ham effectively securing their Premier League status with time to spare.