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    Why Edson Alvarez Is The Perfect Declan Rice Replacement For West Ham... Sort Of
    World Cup 2026

    Why Edson Alvarez Is The Perfect Declan Rice Replacement For West Ham… Sort Of



    *** IMPORTANT ***
    This video was recorded on Thursday August 11th but, during the editing process, news broke that West Ham United had reached an agreement to sign James Ward-Prowse, and we produced a video on that transfer instead (you can watch it here: https://youtu.be/Lh9hNlbtmgQ)

    We mentioned this fact in the Ward-Prowse video and had several requests from West Ham fans to publish the original Alvarez video despite some points now being slightly out of date, so please keep that in mind. For the portion of the video focusing on Harry Maguire, maybe just pretend we’re saying “a Harry Maguire-like player” or something… anyway, enjoy!

    —

    With Declan Rice transferring to Arsenal this summer, West Ham United were left with an enormous hole in their midfield. But signing Edson Alvarez could actually be the perfect solution this problem… provided David Moyes adds some other very specific players to the squad as well.

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    View 41 Comments

    41 Comments

    2. FourFourTwo on

      * IMPORTANT *
      This video was recorded on Thursday August 11th but, during the editing process, news broke that West Ham United had reached an agreement to sign James Ward-Prowse, and we produced a video on that transfer instead (you can watch it here: https://youtu.be/Lh9hNlbtmgQ)

      We mentioned this fact in the Ward-Prowse video and had had several requests from West Ham fans to publish the original Alvarez video despite some points now being slightly out of date, so please keep that in mind. For the portion of the video focusing on Harry Maguire, maybe just pretend we're saying "a Harry Maguire-like player" or something… anyway, enjoy!

    3. Kevin Francis on

      Liked it! Alvarez looks very good but perhaps has more of the profile of Rice a couple of years back when he first came in to the West Ham team. At that time he was much more the straight out holding midfielder. Broader point is valid…no point in trying to replace Rice exactly, what's needed is a system and a squad that can get the desired results.

    4. Rob on

      can u do a lewis hall at newcastle video he hasnt got many highlights but id like to see how howe will play him

    7. Chris Garty on

      Great analysis and outside the box thinking. This does a great job of showcasing the importance of building a team and not just acquiring great individual players.

    10. Palemon Hurtado on

      In his Club America days before transferring to Ajax he played in a double pivot (4231 formation) next to Guido Rodriguez (Real Betis/Argentine International) and did quite well on the offensive side of things. I believe scored in the final driving in quite a lot from the midfielder into the final third. At Ajax he was used primarily as a lone pivot but I’m sure at West Ham he’ll bring back some of his magic from his Club America days 👀🔥

    11. Liam on

      I think this video still works if you replace Maguire and Scott Mctominay with Mavropanos and Kudus who we’re linked with

      Mavropanos seems to love a good switch of play

      Kudus is amazing at driving the ball up through the middle of the pitch

      As a West Ham fan, I honestly would rather them two signings aswell as they’re younger and cheaper aswell

    16. Pete M on

      Also looks like we got Kudos from Ajax and there’s talk of Mavropanos and possibly Wahi…. could end this window with a flourish…. Paqs to Citeh is off… and so is Maguire but there’s still talk of Lingard getting a short contract though talk is that Sully ain’t having it but Moyes is pushing…. ⚒

    23. Jonathan Rodriguez on

      Really was hoping Alvarez would go to a top three team in any of Europe's top leagues, but hopefully it will allow him to get a better move later and keep improving for the Mexican National side. Barrera and Chicharito did alright in that club, should be good for all parties

    25. Jose Arroyo on

      Rice isn't good without spice. Declan isn't all that and Edson is a different player. If Moyes ever does put him on the field, you will see for yourself but I highly doubt he will ever use him when he didn't choose him. He'll do what he did in the past to Chicharito.

    29. Mark on

      Alvarez is actually very good at the long ball, switching the play with a long cross ball. I expect him to be doing it more than he did for Ajax.

    32. D C on

      Rice's contribution in the attacking half was always vastly overstated, he was basically a zero in the opposition half. His physicality will be missed and his interceptions but goals and assists were pretty much non existent. And please no Maguire, Aguerd is better than him with the ball and Zouma is as good in the air and tougher.

    33. Miguel Navarro on

      Alvarez is also very, very good at headers. He can also do really good long passes and also isn’t afraid to shoot from distance. He also likes going into attack mode and dribble past players. Another very good quality of his is that he can also play as a CB. I think people in the Premier League will be surprised to see how he actually helps West Ham play good without Rice.

    35. Lalo on

      He didn’t come through the Ajax academy he came through the ranks at club America in Mexico where he would play as a right back , center back and eventually center defensive mid . He’s a good tackler

    40. Gary Teeley on

      Why compare him to our ex 41 shirt?
      Alvarez for sure is more physical than #41. Name me 5 tackles where Rice went through someone, you cannot.
      Alvarez will put his spin on things.

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