Edson Álvarez is planning to continue producing the goods for Club and country.
The Mexican midfielder has made his mark since joining West Ham United from Dutch club Ajax last summer, appearing 30 times in all competitions and helping the Hammers to eighth in the Premier League and the UEFA Europa League round of 16.
The combative Álvarez has been booked 13 times in those 30 appearances, showing his willingness to put his boot where it hurts for his team.
The 26-year-old was shown his latest yellow card late in Monday’s 4-2 victory over Brentford at London Stadium – a victory which was West Ham’s first of 2024, ended an eight-match winless run and gave Álvarez and his teammates renewed confidence as the season approaches its final third.
“Well, personally I think it was a pretty good performance,” he told Central American Premier League broadcaster Paramount+. “It was a very close game in the midfield.
“We knew, we analysed the game [beforehand] and they played a lot of direct attack, so it was important to win the second balls. I think we started off quite well [by scoring twice in the opening seven minutes] and I’m also happy for the team because we’re back to winning ways.”
West Ham’s lightning start was provided by Jarrod Bowen, who scored both goals to put his side 2-0 up in record time, before completing his hat-trick to make it 3-1 and ease the home side’s nerves on 63 minutes.
“I’m very happy, very happy for him,” Álvarez confirmed. “Obviously, in the end it is a job for the entire team, but today it [the starring role] was given to him and he deserves it because he is a great boy.”
While Bowen’s 14-goal Premier League form could see him included in England’s squad for UEFA Euro 2024, Álvarez is hopeful of being included in Jaime Lozano’s Mexico squad for the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League finals in March and Copa América in the summer.
“I think that I’ll continue working obviously to be able to earn my call to the national team,” he confirmed. “Jaime is someone that I appreciate very much and I am very grateful for his words [of support]. I’m simply focused on my form, I continue doing what I have to do, and these things will come by themselves.”
