West Ham Opinion: Should West Ham sign Edson Alvarez?

West Ham United have been linked (h/t Sun) to Manchester United veteran Antonio Valencia in recent weeks as a replacement for 34-year-old Pablo Zabaleta. The Hammers need defensive incomings in the summer, with the likes of Angelo Ogbonna and Winston Reid into their 30’s.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side are fighting for a top-half finish this season and they will need to push on next season. The Hammers will need defensive cover and Edson Alvarez will be a brilliant fit under Manuel Pellegrini.

Edson Alvarez is a 21-year-old defender who plays for Mexican side Club America. Alvarez was a part of the Mexican squad that featured in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Alvarez started every game for the Mexicans as they were knocked out in the round of 16 by Brazil.

Although naturally a centre-back, Alvarez played in the World Cup as a right-back and was impressive. Alvarez was Mexico’s youngest player in the competition and is touted to have a huge future ahead of him.

Alvarez first rose to the spotlight in the final of the 2018 Apertura Liguilla. The young defender became the hero as he scored a brace to help Las Águilas beat city rivals Cruz Azul to lift the trophy.

Standing at over 6ft tall, the 20-year-old has all the attributes of a modern-day centre-back and will be a brilliant addition to the Premier League. The Mexican is incredibly calm and composed in possession and is a monster when he charges into tackles.

Alvarez completed 73% of his dribbles in his debut season and is a brilliant asset to a team during the transition from defence to attack. His dominance in the box is another incredible trait and is one that is vital in the Premier League.

In the World Cup last summer, Alvarez averaged 1.8 tackles per game, 1.3 interceptions per game and a solid 2 clearances per 90 minutes. The Mexican was also solid in possession and maintained over 85% passing accuracy while playing at right-back.

Conclusion

With West Ham’s clear need for defensive reinforcements, Edson Alvarez would be a wonderful addition to the Hammers squad. His versatility of playing both as a right-back and in the heart of the defence gives the team a number of options.

Still only 20, Alvarez has a long way to go in his career and under the management of Manuel Pellegrini, he could reach his full potential and a move to the Premier League would be a massive step in his career.

West Ham should make a move for Alvarez in the summer and unite him with fellow Mexican Javier Hernandez in the squad.