Edson Álvarez says he is looking forward to the World Cup in Qatar. In his country’s head-to-head clashes with Poland and Argentina, the Mexican will face world stars Robert Lewandowski and Lionel Messi in his role as a defensive midfielder. However, Ajax’s basic strength says it is not afraid of ‘anyone at all’.
“I’m not afraid of them,” Álvarez told the Mexican branch of ESPN. “Of course you respect the hierarchy and the big names, but I’m not afraid of anyone. On the pitch it’s not just Edson against Messi, or Arteaga against Di María. It’s the Mexican national team against the Argentina national team and the Polish national team. It will come down to our mentality.” The 25-year-old midfielder is preparing for his second World Cup and that makes him proud. “I feel much more ready now. I have a lot more experience now.”
Álvarez was also present at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. As a youngster, he was even a basic player in the group matches against Sweden and South Korea, although that tournament did not go quite as desired. The then Club América player scored an own goal against Sweden (3-0) and L’Equipe placed him in the worst team of that World Cup. “The last World Cup was mainly tasting for me”, he looks back. “I was still young and it felt like a huge responsibility, but I didn’t have the maturity to handle it yet.”
In any case, Álvarez will have traveled to Qatar prepared. In Amsterdam he is an undisputed basic player under trainer Alfred Schreuder. The 58-time international is expected to also appear at the World Cup under national coach Gerardo Martino from kick-off. Next to Álvarez el Tri with teammate Jorge Sánchez and PSV player Erick Gutiérrez two more Eredivisionists. The opening game against Poland is scheduled for Tuesday at 5 p.m.
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