West Ham outcast Edson Alvarez leaves media in utter awe in Mexico win vs South Korea

West Ham United midfielder Edson Alvarez played a key part as Mexico booked their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup.

The tournament co-hosts defeated South Korea 1-0 in the early hours of Friday morning through a Luis Romo goal early in the second half.

Mexico are the first team assured of a place in the last 32, doing so with a game to spare.

Alvarez started the match in Guadalajara at centre-back and certainly did not look out of place.

Indeed, he produced a masterclass in the heart of defence, one that makes a mockery of the versatile ace being locked out at West Ham.

On the basis of his display at Guadalajara Stadium, however, Alvarez's stock has now risen considerably.

How did the media rate Edson Alvarez's Mexico display?

Alvarez played the full 90 minutes and helped his side keep a second successive clean sheet to begin the tournament.

The 28-year-old produced one particular moment of magic when acrobatically hooking the ball off the line.

That moment early on was described as "remarkable" by Keifer MacDonald for BBC Sport's live blog.

Sports Illustrated, meanwhile, gave Alvarez a 7.8 rating and added: "Mexico's captain answered the call and defended with all his might all game. One of his best displays in years."

Athlon Sports went with a 7.5 rating, which was the second highest of any player behind matchwinner Romo.

And Goal also raved about Alvarez as they wrote: "His leadership was felt in the heart of the defence.

"After a difficult club season, this was the type of performance that should give him confidence.

"Kept Mexico organised, managed the spaces well and helped calm the game when South Korea had possession."

As pointed out, it has been a tough season for Alvarez at club level, having spent it out on loan in Turkey with Fenerbahce.

He is now due back at the London Stadium, but exactly what happens next is anyone's guess.

Alvarez's performance vs South Korea in numbers

Alvarez was Sofascore's highest rated player on the field as he led the way in a number of metrics.

The 10 defensive actions he registered were easily the most of any player, consisting of six clearances, two interceptions and two tackles.

Alvarez also led the way for touches (90) and accurate passes (92 per cent) in what was a superb display.

Nuno Espirito Santo would no doubt have been watching closely and will be excited about what is possible should Alvarez remain a West Ham player.