“Not upto KUDUs level, He struggled because of the pace” – BBC pundit raises serious questions regarding £100k-p/w West Ham star

BBC Pundit Micah Richards Raises Concerns Over West Ham Star Edson Alvarez’s Pace

Micah Richards, alongside fellow BBC pundits Stephen Warnock and Jason Mohammed, delivered a scathing assessment of Edson Alvarez’s performance against Manchester United. Despite West Ham’s 2-1 victory, Alvarez’s display raised serious questions about his ability to cope with the Premier League’s physical demands.

Statistical Analysis vs. Physicality

Alvarez’s statistics from the match appear impressive: 90% pass completion, three clearances, three interceptions, eight recoveries, and one tackle. However, upon closer inspection, the Mexico international struggled to keep pace with Manchester United’s dynamic midfield.

Richards Critique

Richards pinpointed Alvarez’s struggles, stating, “One of the players who suffered in the first half was Edson Alvarez… He struggled because of the pace of the game and Manchester United’s movement in midfield.” Alvarez’s inability to track Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho exposed his physical limitations.

Mohammed’s Observation

Mohammed noted Alvarez’s “heavy-legged” appearance, which Richards concurred with. “Yes, and he gets a little bit lost in positions at times… There are times he gets found high up the pitch, and it’s very clear his job is to look after Bruno Fernandes.” Alvarez’s lapses in concentration and positional awareness compounded his physical struggles.

Tactical Implications

West Ham’s victory obscures Alvarez’s individual struggles. However, his inability to contain Fernandes and Garnacho raises concerns about his suitability for the Premier League. Richards emphasized Alvarez’s responsibility to track Fernandes, highlighting the Mexican’s difficulties in this regard.

Conclusion

While West Ham secured a vital win, Edson Alvarez’s performance against Manchester United exposed his physical limitations. BBC pundits Micah Richards, Stephen Warnock, and Jason Mohammed highlighted Alvarez’s struggles with pace and positional awareness. As the Premier League season unfolds, Alvarez must adapt to the division’s demands or risk becoming a liability for West Ham.

Key Takeaways:

1. Edson Alvarez’s statistics masked his physical struggles against Manchester United.
2. Micah Richards criticized Alvarez’s inability to cope with the pace of the game.
3. Alvarez’s positional awareness and concentration were questioned.
4. West Ham’s victory overshadowed Alvarez’s individual struggles.
5. Alvarez’s suitability for the Premier League remains a concern.