'So invaluable': Rio Ferdinand raves about £40m player West Ham reportedly want to sign soon

By Ben Evans

Although West Ham United don’t play in Europe until today, they may have had one eye on the Champions League last night.

That’s because one of their reported transfer targets was in action yesterday.

Speaking on BT Sport, Rio Ferdinand was previewing Liverpool’s tie against Ajax.

Ferdinand admitted he was really impressed with Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez.

Alvarez has been ever-present for Ajax in the Champions League, but couldn’t prevent his side falling to a 3-0 defeat.

The Mexican holding midfielder has attracted plenty of interest from the Premier League.

West Ham scouts have been left very impressed by Alvarez’s performances.

The holding midfielder was subject to a £40m transfer bid from Chelsea in the summer, which was rejected.

Current Hammers holding midfielder Tomas Soucek could be on his way out of the club as contract negotiations in the summer couldn’t be resolved.

Alvarez would arguably be not just a replacement for Soucek but an upgrade.

If they could bring him in, it would reiterate West Ham’s ambition to compete with the Premier League’s biggest side.

Ferdinand was raving about Alvarez before kick-off yesterday, and has clearly been very impressed by his performances.

Ferdinand seriously impressed with Alvarez

Speaking on BT Sport (26/10 7:37pm), Ferdinand said: “He does some of the stuff that you don’t necessarily see.

“He’s definitely not Instagrammable at all, but he does all the stuff where he breaks the play up against the opposition, and allows other players who might be more gifted on the ball to go and perform.

“These types of players are so invaluable, you appreciate them so much when they’re in your team because they give you a platform to go and play the football you love to play.”

Arsenal were also admirers of Alvarez in the summer, but Ajax told them that he wasn’t for sale.

A player like Alvarez would allow Declan Rice to have more freedom to go forward and drive with the ball given how solid he is defensively.

Alvarez isn’t quite the aerial presence Soucek is, but is certainly capable of winning his fair share of duels.

The Mexican will be going to the World Cup next month, and West Ham will be watching him closely.

They may be hoping he doesn’t impress too much, as this could push his already hefty price tag even further up.

Ferdinand and the rest of the BT Sport panel were certainly impressed with Alvarez last night.

They could be watching him an awful lot more if West Ham decide to make a bid for the 25-year-old.