Edson Alvarez reacts to Declan Rice comparisons at West Ham
Edson Alvarez insists he is a different type of player to Declan Rice and wants to make a name for himself in his own right at West Ham.
Rice was sold to Arsenal in the summer transfer window for a reported £105million and part of that money was used to draft in Alvarez from Ajax in a deal Sky Sports (10 August) said was worth £35.4m.
Alvarez, who club legend Mark Noble this week told talkSPORT has a “wonderfully talented right foot”, was keen to stress that the two bring different qualities to the table.
“I never put this pressure on myself. I’m a different player (to Rice). I bring what I can bring – my spirit, my fight, everything,” he said, in quotes reported by Mirror Football (7 October, page 3).
“Believe me, I don’t try to put any of that on my mind. I just want to show the people my quality and my ability.
“I know the responsibility but I’m doing what I want to do and what I want to bring to the league.”
Great attitude
It is only natural that when a player of Declan Rice’s quality is sold that people immediately talk of the need to replace them.
But the truth is, to replace a player like that is almost nigh on impossible. And, actually, what Alvarez is saying here is absolutely spot on.
It was never about trying to replace Rice, it was about coming and showing what he can do with his own ability, his own characteristics, and to build a reputation in his own right at the London Stadium.
The Mexico international has certainly hit the ground running and has impressed at the heart of the Hammers’ midfield, with fellow summer signing James Ward-Prowse also proving a shrewd acquisition with the money earned from Rice’s sale.
At some point the talk of Rice will have to die down, he was a great servant to West Ham but he’s no longer here. It is time to start championing the abilities of those who are at the club and performing to an excellent standard.
In other West Ham news, Darren Bent raged live on talkSPORT after news about James Ward-Prowse dropped this week.