It has been a pretty grim introduction to West Ham United for Graham Potter: each outing has required changes to his makeshift eleven starters as half the team at one time another have been injured. One of the perils of having the oldest squad in the Premier League.
Several first team players are closing on a return to fitness now: Lucas Paquetá is expected back for the Brentford game, Jarrod Bowen is back and firing on all cylinders. Jean-Clair Todibo is believed to be a few weeks away.
What of Edson Alvarez? Sean’s article on C and H yesterday confirmed that el Machin was recovering from a minor knock and was expected back in time for the game on 15th: But will he get selected? Alvarez has been something of a liability. His yellow and red card collection is the worst in the team and he seems to be walking a fine line every game between brilliance and losing the plot.
Ready to deliver again – James Ward Prowse
With debutant Andy Irving performing so effectively in his stead – and with James Ward-Prowse returning to the Hammers squad, Edson Alvarez will find Potter far less forgiving of his transgressions and pointless, mistimed fouls. Instead of his headless chicken mode whereby you sense Alvarez is about to lose his cool and cost his team, he needs to engage his brain or risk losing out to the two very capable Hammers now lined up and ready to take his place in the starting eleven.
Fortunately for the player, his last game before injury was probably his best of the season: Creating one goal with a delicate cross from Emerson to head in and displaying controlled aggression in defensive duties at last: That more mature Alvarez is the one which Potter will need to see week in week out or he risks warming the bench himself.
JWP won’t start. Apart from not being good enough it will take him a few weeks to get match fit. Alvarez has to state when fit and Irving looks like he is good enough tomplay. Big part over the rest of the season.
Summerville?
jwp and irving can’t shine alvarez’s shoes
I’m in the Alverez camp. Yes he’s let us down with his temperament but let’s face it…..Moyes/Lopitegui !! He’s probably so frustrated. It’s no coincidence that he’s had a good few games since Potter arrived. It’s good to have cornpetition and I certainly hope JWP gets a fair crack at the whip too as our set pieces are woeful
After Bowen, Alvarez would be my first name on the team sheet every week
I’d sub him off each time he takes a long range shot. With his technique, the roof of the stand is more in danger than the goal.
There’s no way JWP should start over Alvarez, no case for it. Alvarez has been bloody brilliant and whilst his yellow and red cards are frustrating we also need a bloke in the team (arguably every team does) who’s a bit of an enforcer and can intimidate the opposition.
Let Alvares get his yellow card and then immediately sub him off . Enforced player rotation .