Potter transforms West Ham star who was ‘laboured’ for Lopetegui
West Ham United could get the best out of Edson Alvarez under Graham Potter after a dismal individual season so far, according to Ian Darke.
The Hammers have been overrun at times in midfield this season and their defensive record is one that has seen its due share of criticism.
Graham Potter is in the early phases of his revival mission in steadying the ship before going on to aim for a consistent run of much-improved results.
West Ham could see a new Alvarez under Potter
TV commentator Darke has run his rule over the midfield at the London Stadium so far, having seen the West Ham defence come under fire so often throughout the campaign.
Guido Rodriguez and Carlos Soler were brought in to strengthen the squad by a now past figure in Tim Steidten, while Alvarez joined from Ajax in 2023.
The 27-year-old has enjoyed a stellar career so far, including 83 full caps for Mexico, but has been hammered for some of his performances and disciplinary record this term.
“Alvarez and Rodriguez have looked laboured and slow in there at times,” Darke confessed, speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone.
“I thought Alvarez had his best game of the season against Aston Villa – it looked like someone plugged him into the mains – so that might be a flash in the pan, or it could be a real sign of improvement under Potter.
“They were unlucky at Chelsea. I quite like Soler’s football brain, and they all just need to contribute better defensively. If they can get that down under Potter, the team will improve.”
Potter aiming to give it a proper go next season
The frustration and wrath from the East London terraces were piercing for many months of the campaign, namely when Julen Lopetegui was in charge before his sacking inside just 22 games.
But for West Ham fans now, they feel no real choice but to look forward under Potter, who is at least starting to breed some desire from his players and a knowledge that each player is beginning to understand their roles.
The Irons are out of the domestic cups and have done more than enough not to be dragged into a major relegation scrap, while having next to no chance of any type of European qualification this campaign.
For Potter, his staff and the much-maligned board, it is all about consolidation and providing a blank canvas for the Hammers to work with from the summer onwards.