There were many reasons to be concerned about how proficiently West Ham would spend the Declan Rice bounty. However, in Edson Alvarez and James Ward Prowse, the Hammers seem to have spent wisely.
Manager David Moyes was at pains to point out, that it would take more than one signing to replace Dec. The thirty million pound men have certainly proven greater than the sum of their parts.
Edson Alvarez has slotted in remarkably well at West Ham
Whilst Ward Prowse’s prowess may come as little surprise to many. The early impressions of Mexico’s Alvarez have been impressive to say the least. The former Ajax midfielder sems perfectly suited to the Premier League, and has settled quickly.
His reputation as an able defensive minded midfielder proceeded his transfer. However, his ability on the ball is an unexpected surprise. Alvarez displayed agile footwork when weaving out of a defensive cul-de-sac against Brighton last week.
And he was at it again against Luton, as he advanced up the pitch in the build-up to Jarrod Bowens opener. There was an ease and comfort on the ball as Alvarez strode forward and exchanged passed with his team-mates.
Early impressions are very positive. The Mexican appears to be a good communicator, positionally aware and caries an air of determination about him. I’m not entirely sure what I was expecting . . . but Alvarez has already exceeded those expectations.