Graham Potter has exposed key Edson Alvarez ‘limitation’ as West Ham star set for exit
Edson Alvarez’s time as a West Ham player looks set to come to an end.
Alvarez’s future at West Ham has looked bleak for several months now, but it seems as though his departure is edging closer and closer.
The Mexican hasn’t played a single minute in West Ham’s pre-season under Graham Potter, showcasing just how far down the pecking order he is at the London Stadium.
Alvarez joined with high hopes from Ajax, but has failed to make any kind of impression under Potter, with one reason behind his downfall.
Alvarez does not have the ability to play in a Potter midfield
West Ham had a dreadful campaign last time out, and many of their encounters were lost in the midfield area due to their lack of mobility and general ability to progress with the ball.
Alvarez featured a lot under Potter in his early stages of his tenure, but gradually faded away from his plans before being nowhere to be seen in pre-season.
Alvarez’s stats last season.
- 28 appearances
- 54% tackle win rate
- 50.2% ground duel win rate
- 1,781 minutes played
Mexican journalist Julio Rodriguez has put this down to his lack of technical ability in a post shared on X.
He said: “While he shone under David Moyes in a system that favoured his strengths, currently under Graham Potter, the ‘Machín’ has no place due to his limitations with the ball.
“It will be interesting to see his next destination, which should be chosen carefully to ensure he gets as many minutes as possible ahead of the World Cup.”
West Ham need to sign another midfielder
While Alvarez’s exit isn’t going to be much of a blow, it is one less option that the Irons will have ahead of their return to Premier League action.
In fact, Potter will be left with very little to choose from, showcasing the need for reinforcements in that area before the transfer window closes on 1 September.
The Hammers haven’t utilised the summer window to its full capacity, and Potter will be hoping to see their recruitment efforts accelerated over the coming fortnight.
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