Edson Álvarez is aware of the significance of Friday’s Premier League fixture for opponents Luton Town but insists West Ham United will be focusing solely on themselves.
The Hammers’ short trip up the M1 to face Luton will be the Hatters’ first match at Kenilworth Road in the Premier League since their promotion, with the home supporters sure to make the occasion one to remember for all associated with the club.
Unbeaten in the first three league outings, and consecutive 3-1 victories, mean the Irons head into Friday’s contest in great form. While Álvarez knows the circumstances will make Luton an even tougher prospect, the midfielder knows the visitors can get the job done.
“Winning builds confidence and when you have wins against two good teams then it gives you extra motivation to keep it going,” the Mexico international said. “We are looking forward now. We don’t want this to be a short period of wins. We want to keep this going for a long period of matches.
“I know Luton Town have a special stadium, but we need to go there and show what this team can do. If we stay together and do our things right, then we know we can have a good result. We have to go there and fight and focus on ourselves.”
It has been the perfect start to life in Claret and Blue for Álvarez. After making his debut as a substitute in the 3-1 win over Chelsea at London Stadium, the midfielder made his first start at Brighton & Hove Albion and played a crucial role in another 3-1 victory.
“I think it has been a very nice start for me, and for everyone. In our Stadium, it was a good start against a very good team in front of our fans,” he continued. “It was a very good start for me.
“Then we played against Brighton away and, historically, this has been a difficult game for the Club. But we got the three points and we were all so happy. I’m so grateful for everything so far.”
Central to that success against the Seagulls was Álvarez’s newly-formed understanding with fellow new signing James Ward-Prowse, and El Machin is relishing playing alongside the England international.
Álvarez was also full of praise for Pablo Fornals for his help in settling into east London, and well as manager David Moyes.
“Both James and I are new so we wanted to bring a fresh mentality. We have very good communication and everyone here are very good guys. Pablo Fornals is a very special guy. He’s helped me and supported me a lot, and helped me to meet everyone at the Club.
“The manager is always asking me about how I’m doing or feeling. He knows I came straight to West Ham from my holidays and he’s always asking how I feel. We are having good conversations.”
The acquisition of another new signing in Mohammed Kudus has Álvarez particularly excited.
The Ghanaian international made the move to the Hammers from Ajax last week and links up with the Mexican again, with the two playing alongside each other for the Eredivisie club.
Álvarez believes the Claret and Blue Army can expect big things from the 23-year-old.
He said: “I’m super happy and super excited that Mohammed has come to West Ham. I know what he can bring to the team. He’s a very talented player and a very good guy, and I’m looking forward to playing again with him. He’s looking very happy and he’s looking forward to showing what he can do in the Premier League.
“I think the fans can expect big things from him. I hope so. He has a lot of good qualities and he is very strong. He loves having the ball and he’s good in combination play with other players. It’s important that he takes the time to adapt to the Premier League, but I think he will adapt very fast.”
Hailed for his own personal performances so far, Álvarez is keen to keep impressing for the Hammers, and continue his own excellent start to life in east London on Friday evening.
“A lot of people have told me that if you fight for West Ham United fans then they will support you. I have been a fighter all my life, so for me that’s nothing new. I want to do my work and show what I can do.
“What we want is to fight for our fans and to fight for the top spots in the Premier League.”
