Troy Deeney says £35m West Ham player really ‘stepped up’ against Manchester United

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West Ham United saw off Manchester United this weekend in what was Erik ten Hag’s last game and Troy Deeney has included one Hammers star in his team of the week.

The Hammers picked up the much needed win for Julen Lopetegui after Jarrod Bowen netted a late penalty to seal Ten Hag’s fate.

For West Ham fans, it was a relief to see their team win in what has been a challenging season so far.

Over the summer, Lopetegui was afforded a number of new signings but in the main, they’ve not paid off yet and it’s been some of the old guard producing when it’s mattered.

Indeed, it was one of David Moyes’ signings that impressed BBC pundit Deeney enough to warrant selection in his team of the week.

Troy Deeney picks out West Ham midfielder Edson Alvarez in latest team of the week

Speaking about Alvarez – as well as Nottingham Forest midfielder Ryan Yates – Deeney suggested that the Mexican was everything good about the Hammers as they saw off United.

Including Alvarez and Yates in his BBC team of the week, Deeney lauded the £35m West Ham signing.

“Both midfielders were excellent. They were combative and did everything simple and well. In times when their games got a little bit ropey they stepped up, whether it be with a big tackle or calming the play down and winning fouls,” Deeney said.

“They were excellent and two players who epitomised their teams in their necessity to find a win. West Ham needed that win against Manchester United and it was a good result for them.”

Alvarez and others need to step up for West Ham

The Hammers have been poor this season, there’s no other word for it.

But this weekend felt a bit of a turning point and in players like Edson Alvarez, they have the quality to ensure they’re nowhere near any sort of relegation trouble.

As Deeney mentions here when discussing Yates at Forest as well, these sorts of midfielder are key for clubs in keeping the shape and doing the dirty work in midfield.

West Ham do need Alvarez and others to do it more often though and Lopetegui will be hoping his experienced pros can drive the club forward from now on.