Edson Alvarez, Graham Potter
(Credit: Imago)
Andrew Beharie
Mon 7 July 2025 7:40, UK
Edson Alvarez has largely struggled in his spell at West Ham United thus far.
Alvarez, 27, arrived from Ajax in 2023 for £35million and, although he has shown flashes of brilliance, he has failed to live up to his transfer fee in England.
The midfielder isn’t the only West Ham player to have struggled in the past couple of seasons, with many failing as the Hammers have slid down the league after three consecutive seasons in Europe.
Graham Potter will need to start next season much better than he ended the last, and will require Alvarez to have a key role in his squad if the Mexican chooses to stay.
Edson Alvarez West Ham
Alvarez has largely struggled since arriving from Ajax (Credit: Imago)
Alvarez stars as Mexico win the Gold Cup
Mexico successfully defended their Gold Cup title by defeating the United States 2-1 overnight.
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
El Tri had fallen behind early on before Fulham’s Raul Jimenez equalised, with Alvarez heading home in the second half to seal his side’s 10th Gold Cup title.
ESPN MX (6 July) have called the midfielder the hero of the final, with Alvarez also going on to win the Player of the Tournament.
They commented: “Álvarez wears the captain’s badge and is one of the key players in Javier Aguirre’s team.”
Mexican Journalist Julio Rodriguez singled out the West Ham man, praising his defensive characteristics and suggesting he’s better in the centre of defence.
Rodriguez said: “Regarding Edson Álvarez, it seems to me that his ideal position in this Mexican National Team is as a central defender.
“Based on his characteristics, facing the game head-on and not having to receive the ball with his back to play is best for him.
“He is the team’s captain, the squad’s leader, and one of the most experienced players.”
Potter needs to work out where Alvarez fits his system
A main problem under Potter is the fact that he has failed to establish a clear system since arriving in East London.
The Englishman tried to make his side harder to beat by switching to a back five towards the end of the season, with the Hammers having played with a back four for most of the year.
If Potter chooses to persist with the back five next season, Alvarez could be crucial to West Ham’s defence.
Edson Alvarez stats vs USA Total
Match Rating 8.6
Goals 1
Interceptions 6
Recoveries 6
Dribbled past 0
Alvarez was incredible vs USA (Fotmob)
The Mexico captain has shone at the Gold Cup in defence, much more than he has in midfield at the London Stadium, and a position change could both unlock Alvarez’s potential and improve West Ham.
Over to you, Potter.
Sign up for the West Ham Zone WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking West Ham United news sent straight to your phone.
Related Posts