Much of the focus has been on the January window ‘near miss’ possible signings that didn’t come off, rumours that didn’t materialise or player transfers into West Ham which now are being pushed back to the ‘Summer rebuild’. But news today of confirmation of a January rumour – an attempt to take a West Ham player away in January – that was rebuffed by Graham Potter who’d only just arrived at London Stadium himself.
From Mexican site foxsports.com.mx comes the report entitled ‘Edson Álvarez was an option, but we did not reach an agreement’ detailing the failed attempt by Monaco’s Mexican sporting director to take ‘El Machin’ to the French Ligue 1.
Fabrizio Romano first suggested mid January that Monaco were interested in offering a loan deal for Alvarez, but it was only later – presumably once Potter and his head of recruitment had got together – that West Ham officially rejected the bid. As Monaco’s Sporting Director Carlos Aviña confirmed:
“It was an option that we were exploring, and we were pushing. Unfortunately, we could not reach an agreement. He is doing things very well at West Ham and I think it is no surprise that clubs like us and from other Leagues are also looking for him.” Wheres at the time, many, including myself, would have quite happy to see Alvarez leave such was his disciplinary problem, Potter has backed his own ability to coax better from several below par performers.
The change in Alvarez since Potter’s arrival is noticeable. Still charging around, still crunching into tackles, but – too early, possibly to tell – maybe a tad more focused? Appearing, assisting, supporting, all over the pitch, becoming creator for Emerson’s equaliser against Chelsea is certainly a departure from ‘headless chicken’ mode which was the norm under Lopetegui. By rejecting the offer of a loan move and by bringing Alvarez -along with several of West Ham’s under performing key players – back towards their best, Potter is turning theirs, and the club’s season around.
Potter is on a totally different level of communication and man management to Lopetegui, he will get more from individual players on those bases alone. I’ve noticed that Potter speaks with Alvarez frequently during games, he seems to communicate with Alvarez particularly well.
Equalizer was against Villa. Very fine pass for sure.
Let’s hope Potter can help Alvarez’s focus in games and can coach him to avoid unnecessary cards.
However, Potter won’t be able to make Alvarez quicker, and his lack of pace often sees him a split second late in challenges which leads to the inevitable yellow card.
He’s improved under Potter, so let’s hope that improvement continues.