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What’s next for America’s Edson Alvarez?

By Jahir M. Martinez

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - MARCH 30: Eduardo Vargas #9 of Tigres struggles for the ball with Edson Alvarez #4 of America during the 12th round match between America and Tigres UANL as part of the Torneo Clausura 2019 Liga MX at Azteca Stadium on March 30, 2019 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - MARCH 30: Eduardo Vargas #9 of Tigres struggles for the ball with Edson Alvarez #4 of America during the 12th round match between America and Tigres UANL as part of the Torneo Clausura 2019 Liga MX at Azteca Stadium on March 30, 2019 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) /
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Dutch giants PSV and Ajax are battling to bring aboard the versatile Mexican who has matured into a key player for America and El Tri

Edson Alvarez could be Mexico’s next big star-in-the-making, rising rapidly from America’s youth academy to a starter with El Tri in last summer’s World Cup. Recent reports indicate a handful of European club teams like Scotland’s Celtic and Dutch giants Ajax and PSV, as well as Inter Milan have voiced interest in Alvarez.

Arguably, it could be in Alvarez’s best interest to follow in the footsteps of El Tri mates Hirving Lozano and Erick Gutierrez at PSV, as the Dutch team has a history of acquiring and developing Mexican players over the past years. For now, Edson is a key figure in America’s chase of a second straight league title. Alvarez scored both goals for the Aguilas in last season’s Liga MX final as America won its league record 13th title. He also played a key role as the Aguilas claimed their first Copa MX trophy in 45 years last week.

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Alvarez enjoyed a breakout year in 2018 as a 20-year-old, earning considerable playing time with the powerhouse Aguilas. He demonstrated his versatility by playing well as fullback, center back and even in defensive midfield. His play earned him a call-up with El Tri and as he convinced coach Juan Carlos Osorio of his reliability, he won the starting job as left back at the  World Cup in Russia.

His role at the World Cup (despite knocking in an own-goal against Sweden in the final group stage match) earned him recognition as a player to watch. New Team Mexico coach Gerardo Martino showed confidence in Alvarez during last month’s FIFA break and the now 21-year-old was the only player to start for El Tri in both friendlies in March. Martino told reporters afterward that Alvarez is ready for the “jump to Europe,” saying he could become one of Mexico’s top players in Europe soon.

It’s only matter of time before he joins a top European team and demonstrates his abilities. From my prospective, Edson is somewhat a mirror of the legendary Rafael Marquez, not only in his ability to play defense but also moving the ball forward and playing an active role in the build-up of play.

Alvarez is a player to monitor closely in the next few months  as we watch his career unfold here with El Tri and abroad.

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