West Ham United midfielder Edson Álvarez has insisted the signing of Guido Rodriguez has only motivated him to step up his game.
The midfielder has been speaking to Marca, and during the chat he also praised new manager Julen Lopetegui.
Álvarez was one of several big signings made by West Ham last summer as they spent the money from Declan Rice’s move to Arsenal to strengthen their squad.
He proved to be a firm fan favourite across the campaign and is expected to be a key player under Lopetegui this season.
He finds his place in the squad under threat, though, after the arrival of Guido Rodriguez on a free transfer.
He’s a player who will directly compete for a place in central midfield, with both very much defensive midfielders of the same mould.
And it seems there is no ill-feeling between them, with Álvarez instead insisting that Rodriguez’s arrival is only spurring him on.
“I am happy that he was able to join West Ham,” he said.
“We did a great job in that season that we agreed on and that motivates me even more in the sense that we can do the same in the best League in the world. It’s a good challenge.
“We are going to complement each other very well, because of the language and the fact that we know each other. We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. And he will help me too, for sure.
“He is a coach who sees football in a different way,” he added when asked about Lopetegui.
“He is very passionate about this sport, and very obsessed, in a good way, and that is essential. He wants to create good groups off the court. And the feelings are positive for the moment.”
