There is little doubt new West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo will be looking for reinforcements in the January transfer window.
While the new Hammers boss has players who should adapt seamlessly to the style he used at Nottingham Forest, there are still positions he will want to strengthen.
No doubt Nuno will be delighted to inherit the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paquetá, Crysencio Summerville and Mateus Fernandes. But there are holes in the squad, and for that reason West Ham could consider recalling Edson Alvarez in January.
Alvarez could return to West Ham in January
Recall on the cards for enforcer
The Mexican midfielder is a specialist defensive option, and Nuno may find his current squad lacks that profile. Guido Rodriguez can fill the role, but he doesn’t possess the pace needed to cope with the hustle and bustle of the Premier League.
It’s now relatively well known that Alvarez had a falling out with Graham Potter which hastened his departure. He only joined Fenerbahce to link up with Jose Mourinho – who has since moved on to Benfica.
The Mexican international is currently sidelined through injury, but if he can prove his fitness before Christmas, a surprise return to the London Stadium could be on the cards.
Alvarez may not be perfect, he captained Mexico to the Gold Cup, winning Player of the Tournament too.
Sending him out on lean is a waste of a valuable asset. Get him back!
Rodriguez doesn’t compare with Alvarez, whose uncompromising attitude rolls back the years. Unfortunately the Chopper Harris, Billy Bremner type of yesteryear doesn’t fit in with today’s namby pamby player, rolling around when shouldered off the ball, looking around for a free kick.
I for one would like to see Alvarez back, a swashbuckling good old fashioned half back!
If he can keep fit and stay clear of being carded then he will be of benefit.
Alvarez fell out with Pellegrini too. There was criticism over the amount of cards he reviewed and even David Moyes had a bit of a falling out with him and then publicly criticised his fitness and stamina. Sounds like we don’t need him back.
Alverez is a good player no more than that in my opinion. He had a fallout with potter and downs tools great i bet his team mates cant wait for him to come back
I thought Magassa was brought in to effectively fulfill this role?
I was also under the impression that Alvarez’s loan didn’t have a break clause, but must be mistaken.
I think we can do better than Alvarez
I would like to see Alvarez back in January. He is a good holding midfielder and could do a good job in a Nuno setup.
Good, with our limited options especially ball winners, should never have let him go.
Hope he proves his fitness as think will thrive under Nuno.