West Ham’s midfield has been long criticised as ‘slow and stodgy’, whilst Graham Potter has worked with the tools at his disposal to try and shore up the leaky defensive shield which cost Lopetegui so many goals in the first half of the season.
What is becoming clearer from his team selections now is that players that were once nailed-on starters are turning into possibles for being deemed surplus to requirements in the summer: It would seem that the Hammers’ manager has placed Edson Alvarez in the ‘maybe’ column.
Twice on the bench and twice having limited game time in the last four Premier League fixtures, it seems Potter’s Mexican is falling down the pecking order and out of favour: Reports linking ‘El Machin’ with a move to the Bundesliga may well have a sound basis: Borossia Dortmund were quoted earlier in April as being interested:
“Dortmund views Álvarez as a valuable addition to their midfield. Mexican newspaper ‘El Universal’ reported that Dortmund is not the sole club interested in Álvarez, as AS Monaco is also monitoring the player.”
El Machin – up for sale this summer?
The starting trio of Soler, Paquetá and James Ward-Prowse may not be perfect in anyone’s mind – but the absence of Edson Alvarez from many of Graham Potter’s starting XI’s is likely warning of his being considered for sale come June 1st.
Funds are needed and Alvarez offers a chance to generate a significant addition to the transfer rebuild fund. His continuing absence from Graham Potter’s starting eleven between now and the end of the season will indicate his likely future come the start of the window.