After a year and a half, Edson Álvarez finally has a permanent place in Ajax’s midfield and public opinion also seems to be turning in favor of the 34-time international of Mexico. In that context, business observer Fulco van Kooperen criticizes the image of Álvarez in the Netherlands, which can count on much more appreciation in his own country.
Álvarez would fall short of football and would not be a pure Ajax player. “That is the image created by many parrots”, Van Kooperen sighs in an extensive interview with Football International. “Edson is not a graceful player, but I think he has proven that he can bring something extra to the team.” The midfielder’s supervisor immediately gives some examples. “Indifference, poison, passion. But especially performing at times when the team needs it. Comparable to guys like Lisandro Martínez and Nicolás Tagliafico. I notice that clubs abroad do see that and judge Edson on that.”
Ten Hag is preparing with Ajax for a duel with Lille: ‘Trust that we will continue’
“That’s also the big difference, I think”, Van Kooperen continues his interim analysis of Álvarez. “Some Ajax supporters look very critically at what a player should be able to do and if he does not master something, he is dealt with. While in football it is mainly looked at what is required in a well-running team and whether a player can do something about it. add.” Nevertheless, the discussion about Álvarez has not completely disappeared, although it now seems certain that he can handle better as a midfielder than as a center-back. “After a year and a half, I think you can conclude that Erik ten Hag does not see a central defender in him. Then it is to show Edson that he can be of value as a controlling midfielder.”
“And I agree with Ten Hag that he is taking steps. I now also see more and more the Edson at the ball that we saw in Mexico. He seems a bit looser, dares a bit more. In the beginning you saw him mainly busy. are with risk-free play. As long as he didn’t do anything wrong. Now you see him giving cross passes and using himself more offensively “, Van Kooperen refers to the progression that Álvarez has made at Ajax. The fact that the club refused to sell him in January was crucial, according to the agent. “When we heard that from Ajax, we immediately switched the switch. Of course Edson wanted to make more minutes, but he felt the confidence and was determined to take his chance.”
Related
More sports news