Complete midfield performance from Mexican maestro
Yesterday I was so impressed with Edson Alvarez, the silent workhorse in midfield who orchestrated much of West Ham’s triumph against Everton. Alvarez was everywhere on the pitch, pulling off moves even when West Ham struggled early in the game.
He made the most sublime pass of the game, lofting the ball over to Mohammed Kudus with pinpoint accuracy. And let’s not forget that dribble – a thing of beauty, unfairly cut short by an overlooked foul. Speaking of which, the referee’s performance at Goodison Park was far from stellar, but that’s a story for another day.
Alvarez didn’t just show off his passing and dribbling skills; he found the back of the net with finesse. His goal might have been overshadowed by Thomas Soucek’s thunderous strike, but it was the cherry on top of a fine performance.
What struck me most was Alvarez’s transformation from a defensive midfielder to an attacking threat. His goal was proof of his evolving role on the pitch. His English may not be perfect yet, but his on-field communication speaks volumes. He’s becoming a leader in his own right, perhaps even a future captain.
A complete midfield performance from Edson Alvarez
Whilst Soucek rightfully grabs headlines for his game-winning goal and Areola shone as man of the match, Alvarez’s contributions should not be overlooked. His all-around performance, from tackling to heading to passing, held the midfield together.
Sure, there were shaky moments, especially in the first half. But Alvarez’s resilience and adaptability were evident throughout the game. He didn’t let early setbacks deter him; instead, he stepped up when it mattered most.
James Ward Prowse and Soucek were pretty poor in the first half. Yet Alvarez never let his standards slip, even when those around him were struggling.