West Ham United summer signing Edson Álvarez has admitted he’s not in his best shape yet but is determined to fix that and make a big impression at the London Stadium.
The midfielder has been speaking to EFE after Sunday’s big win over rivals Chelsea, in which the Mexican made his debut for the Hammers.
The 25-year-old joined West Ham from Ajax earlier this month, arriving in a €38m deal from the Dutch side as a replacement for Declan Rice.
The move is the next step up in his career, having started with América in Mexico before joining Ajax in 2019 and establishing himself as a key player there over the last four years.
The hope is that he can help fill the hole left behind by Rice, who was the undisputed star of the show at West Ham and has left a huge void in David Moyes’ midfield with his €116.6m move to Arsenal.
Álvarez is aware of that pressure on him but insists he’s ready to make his mark, once he catches up to the pace required for life in the Premier League.
“I know I’m not in my best shape yet, I’ve only been training for a week, but you’re picking up all that with training and the matches,” he said.
“If I prepare very well, I know I can fight for a position. This league for me is the most important in the world. Every weekend you try to see the Premier teams. Being here is very motivating.
“I respect what he (Rice) is as a player. I’ve seen him, everyone knows him, but I’m here to make my own story, to contribute what I can contribute.”
