WILL EDSON ALVAREZ FOLLOW TEN HAG TO MANCHESTER UNITED?
It has been reported that Manchester United has decided to finalize the appointment of Erik ten Hag as its next manager. As soon as the news broke, rumors have begun to swirl about who would follow him from the Eredivisie to the Premier League. One of those names is Mextranjero Edson Alvarez.
It’s no secret that the Red Devils have been in dire need of a defensive midfielder for a few seasons now. Pundits and fans have even referred to the team as “Donut F.C” due to the glaring hole in the middle of their squad. But can Edson be a solution?
Alvarez is having his best season at Ajax since his arrival in 2019. In the league, he has participated in 25 of 28 matches, being part of the starting 11 86% of those games. He also played in 7 of Ajax’s 8 Champions League matches this campaign. El Machin has been a crucial cog in ten Hag’s machinery this season. Edson has won 60% of his tackles, 58% of his duels, and 67% of his aerial duels. And his 86% pass accuracy means he has only missed 212 of his 1513 passes in 25 games, not too shabby.
Edson is comfortable dropping between defenders to help defend or to provide a passing option to move the ball forward. He has also proven vital in progressing the ball forward and allowing Gravenberch, Berghuis, and Mazraoui to attack knowing Alvarez is providing cover.
At Manchester United, Edson would be expected to function in a similar fashion. Alvarez would be called upon to solidify a three-man midfield that may include Bruno Fernandes, and familiar face Donny van de Beek. Alvarez is also comfortable playing at CB, another area that the Red Devils have struggled in. His coverage and passing range will be vital to incorporating ten Hag’s tactics at United.
If Alvarez does follow ten Hag to the Premier League, he will be just the 12th Mexican player to try their luck in England. (Yes, I’m counting Marcelo Flores’s bench appearance.) He will also be just the second Mextranjero to lace them up for Manchester United.
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