Edson Alvarez blows away international media as West Ham United gem stars in win v USA
Edson Alvarez impressed on international duty as the West Ham United ace featured in Mexico’s 2-0 win over the United States in the early hours of Wednesday (16 October).
The 26-year-old played all 90 minutes in the friendly fixture as Mexico claimed a victory against the US for the first time in five years, having lost five of the last seven meetings since 2019.
Alvarez has experienced a mixed campaign under Julen Lopetegui so far, only starting three Premier League games after returning from injury over the summer.
Handing the midfielder a 7/10 rating, ESPNDeportes [16 October] wrote: “Rafa Márquez’s influence on Álvarez is beginning to be noticed in the national team, since now he does not carry the ball as much, in other stages he went on the attack vehemently.
“The best version of ‘Machín’ in the Premier League is as a destroyer and in the national team he played that role very well. He was cautioned in the 74th minute for pulling Zendejas by the neck.”
Sports Illustrated [16 October] added to the praise, writing: “Álvarez is perfectly suited to be the midfield anchor, using his great positioning to be the first passing option in build-up play as well as constantly recovering balls in the centre of the pitch.
“Romo helps with his great vision and passing to link up with the forwards and wingers, but he’s also great at covering ground and helping defensively.”
Mix Vale [16 October] was also impressed, writing: “The work of Orbelín Pineda and Edson Álvarez in the offensive sector was crucial in keeping the Mexican team on the attack.”
West Ham United ace Edson Alvarez stars for Mexico v USA
Lopetegui will be hoping Alvarez returns to the London Stadium firing on all cylinders, with the Hammers in desperate need of consistent performers in the middle of the park.
The London side have struggled to get going under the guise of a new manager, losing three out of their first five Premier League matches, but still managing to sit in twelfth after seven games.
Alvarez was dropped for the 4-1 win over Ipswich Town before the international break, with Guido Rodriguez and Tomas Soucek claiming the two midfield spots.
While the Hammers are so often better with him in the team, the Mexican has struggled to get out of first gear this season, disappointing fans with multiple displays so far.
However, with the player performing well on international duty, the hope will be that he can bring that form back to the London Stadium and help push West Ham further up the table – starting against Tottenham.
In other West Ham news, Andy Carroll has opened up about his “difficult” times at the London Stadium, “Everything was dark”.
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