Having moved to Europe at the age of 21 in order to take his career as a professional footballer to new heights, West Ham United midfielder Edson Álvarez has since enjoyed a rise that has seen him become a fully-fledged international and captain for his country, Mexico.
While his home nation is responsible for having produced several Premier League talents over the years, including former Hammer Javier Hernández, Álvarez is just one of three Mexican natives who currently ply their trade here in the English top flight.
With football recognised as the number one sport back where he was born and raised, there will undoubtedly be plenty of attention on West Ham's under-the-lights match-up with Fulham on Tuesday evening from across the Atlantic, when our No19 will go up against his compatriot, and fellow Mexican hero, Raúl Jiménez.
The fixture is also steeped in significance as it will mark the first of new Irons Head Coach Graham Potter's reign at London Stadium, following Friday's narrow Emirates FA Cup defeat at Aston Villa, just a day after the confirmation of his appointment.
Álvarez, who completed 82 minutes as West Ham snatched a 1-1 draw in the teams’ reverse meeting earlier this season at Craven Cottage, is under no illusions about the task his side faces against a team that is on a nine-match unbeaten run in all competitions, but is confident he and his colleagues have what it takes to bounce back to winning ways, and mark a special occasion in the right way.
Álvarez said: “It's going to be a difficult match, like every match in the Premier League, and it will be a match with a lot of emotions for everyone in attendance, and for me personally.
“What gives it the special touch for me and for all Mexicans is to see two Mexicans playing in the best league in the world. I think that's what makes this match special for me personally, and to be able to see Raúl [Jiménez] makes me very excited and very happy because I know him on a personal level.
“I am very proud of Raúl, as he has recently become Mexico's highest-scoring Premier League player of all time, which is something historic for our country. I think that only those who have lived through it, only those who have been here, know how difficult it is to play in this league against the best players in the world and score as many goals as he has, so credit to him. Hopefully he has an off day on Tuesday, though!
“It is always a pleasure to play in London derbies. I think it's going to be a great match, and a tough match, but hopefully we can achieve three points.”
Having made 19 appearances in Claret and Blue so far in 2024/25, and 61 in total since his August 2023 arrival in east London from Ajax, Álvarez insists he has plenty of personal improvement ahead of him in the second half of the season.
The 27-year-old was hurt while in action for Mexico at the Copa América last summer, after leading his national team into a major tournament for the first time, and says he feels like he is edging closer to returning to his best form.
Off the back of major change at West Ham throughout the last week, Álvarez remains upbeat about how the team is progressing, and believes there is no excuse not to have a positive end to the campaign and a strong 2025.
“I went through the injury, which has really been more difficult than people can imagine,” he added. “I have fought a lot against myself, against being able to get back to my best form.
“We have great guys in the dressing room, and there are many cultures. There are many things that sometimes people can't see that we try to manage in the best way, but I think it is part of it, trying to make all the players click, because there is talent and quality in the team.
“We’ve now got a new Head Coach and we want to start the second half of the season strongly, and I think things are going to look pretty good for us.
“I think you learn every day and you improve every day. I believe that this will be a fundamental and vital part of us being able to enjoy a great end to the season.”
