The summer departure of Declan Rice from West Ham sent shockwaves through the team, leaving a daunting void in midfield. However, the Hammers didn’t rush to fill that gap with a single star player.
Instead, they opted for a strategic approach, strengthening various areas of the squad. This move proved instrumental in their current success, especially with the addition of Edson Álvarez.
Late in the transfer window, West Ham made impressive moves, securing James Ward-Prowse and Edson Álvarez, both of whom seamlessly integrated into David Moyes’s preferred 4-2-3-1 setup.
Alongside them, Mohammed Kudus emerged as a revelation, showcasing his talent and seizing his opportunity in the team.
Interestingly, the injury setback to Michail Antonio turned out to be a blessing.
It allowed for the rise of Kudus and shed light on the ideal striker fit in Jarrod Bowen, complemented by Kudus and Lucas Paquetá, forming an attacking trio that posed a threat to any Premier League defense.
The key to this newfound attacking prowess lies not just in the front three but also in the invaluable contribution of Álvarez in midfield.
His presence has relieved the burden on the attacking players by shouldering defensive responsibilities adeptly. Ranking fourth for tackles among Hammers players, Álvarez’s defensive resolve has been a game-changer.
Álvarez’s adaptability from a possession-dominant style at Ajax to a more counter-attacking strategy at West Ham is noteworthy.
While he dictated play in the Netherlands with high pass averages, he has seamlessly adjusted his game to thrive in a team that sees less possession but capitalizes on counterattacks.
Although Álvarez isn’t immune to bookings, with the highest tally of seven in the Premier League, his positives far outweigh the negatives.
His absence in recent games highlighted his immense influence on the team’s performance, showcasing a lack of cover in his position and underlining his significance to Moyes’s side.
Despite the need for cover when Álvarez is unavailable, his impact alongside Ward-Prowse, Kudus, and others underscores West Ham’s shrewd investment in their squad.
Of this quartet, Álvarez stands out as the linchpin, elevating the team to new heights and cementing his place as a crucial component of the Hammers’ success this season.
