Alvaraz happy and ready for Chelsea

New Hammer Edison Alvaraz has everything crossed he will make the starting line up for the match against Chelsea at the London Stadium on Sunday.

He picked up a nickname on the streets of Mexico as a kid and he plans to demonstrate he decidedly is  as ‘El Machín’ if selected against the Blues.

He is known as ‘The Machine’ – relentlessly driven and  almost unstoppable – a scenario he hopes will unfold tomorrow as he makes his debut.

He said: “My nickname comes from the streets. When I was a kid, I used to play on the streets with my brother and the older kids, and he used to challenge me. I would always play against them, and I would play without fear.”

The Mexican international has carried that mentality everywhere he has been since. It has now accompanied him to east London, where Álvarez has relished his first week as a West Ham United player.

A London derby is an enticing proposition as a first taste of Premier League football. Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea will make the trip around the M25 to London Stadium on Sunday, with both sides seeking a first three points of the new campaign.

Ahead of the game he declared: “It’s been a special week. I’ve done my first training sessions with the team and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know everyone. I’m happy with how it’s been. 

“We’ve had all kinds of weather this week! But it’s the same kind of weather as we got in Amsterdam so I am used to it. The sun has been shining the last couple of days though, which always gives me good energy, so I’m getting a good feeling about being in London. 

“I’m excited for what the next few days will bring and then, of course, we have the game on Sunday which will be special for me too.”

“Of course, it’s up to the manager if I come in and play but I’m excited for that first chance. If he decides to pick me, I’ll be ready.”