The Mexican midfielder stated his conviction that everything occurs for a reason when he moved to the London Stadium in a £35.4 million transfer after his first deal to join German club Borussia Dortmund fell through (Sky Sports, 10 August).
Alvarez believes he is now adjusting to the demands of English football despite the fact that he had little time to prepare before making his debut off the bench against Chelsea on August 20.
Alvarez explained: “There was a little bit on the Dortmund side that was a fairly specific option, and in the end, it couldn’t be, but well, there was a lot of rapprochements on their part, including visits to Amsterdam to meet my family.
“I’ve always believed that everything is great and good and that everything happens for a purpose. I am now overjoyed that I made the decision to join West Ham, a team that has taught me a lot in just one month.
“The reality is, when you make it to the top league in the world, it’s something mysterious. Imagine coming at the intensity of the early days without any instruction. After we closed it, I took a flight to Amsterdam and then another to London.
“I had a very bad time in the sense of rhythm, but as the training went on it has gone very well for me and it has adapted to me quite well.
“In any case, I know that I still have a lot to improve because it is a league that pushes you to the limit not only mentally but physically.”
Filling the void left by Declan Rice
Alvarez has been able to fit in perfectly in the base of David Moyes’ midfield, playing his position as a destroyer to stop the action and pass the ball to his teammates, such James Ward-Prowse and Lucas Paqueta, who have been given the freedom to flourish.
His is perhaps the most crucial job of the three because he frees up his teammates to play more creatively and strategically, aiming to open up opportunities for the forwards while bearing the brunt of the defensive pressure.
He will be relying on his conviction that everything occurs for a reason and counting their lucky stars that his transfer to Borussia Dortmund did not materialize. In this instance, it was so that he could assist the Hammers in achieving their season objectives.
The Hammers will now be seeking to build on a very solid start to emulate the success they enjoyed last year. With Alvarez at the base of the midfield and the attacking potential in this team being allowed to blossom.
