Edson Alvarez believes he has the answer to stop all the noise around David Moyes and West Ham’s perceived problems with possession.
West Ham ended last season with the second lowest possession statistics in the Premier League.
And that statistic has been used by David Moyes detractors as proof that the Hammers needed a more progressive, modern manager if they were to get back to challenging for the European spots.
Moyes admitted his experiment to try and change West Ham to a more possession-based team failed last term. And it could well have cost them their status as a Premier League club.
West Ham look comfortable in their own skin again this season, unashamedly surrendering possession to get back to being a counter attacking side.
But they have been causing a stir with their low possession stats in a league full of Pep Guardiola disciples.
Much has been made of West Ham’s contentment to sit off teams and try to hit them on the break.
But seven points from their opening three games – including 3-1 wins over both Chelsea and Brighton – became 10 from four at Luton when West Ham showed they can also win when the emphasis is on them to have the lion’s share of the ball.
Moyes has admitted he does want his side to start keeping the ball better. And the likes of Brighton and Spurs are examples of teams playing football that should be within West Ham’s reach with the players they have while still getting results.
And one of his new signings has been speaking honestly about that particular aspect of West Ham’s play.
Edson Alvarez believes he has the answer to stop all the noise around Moyes and West Ham’s perceived problems with possession.
Coming from Ajax – who, like West Ham in England, are known as the Academy of Football in Holland – Alvarez knows all about possession football.
And he says West Ham must simply build confidence in possession by being brave on the ball.
“The team needs to get back the confidence (when in possession) because we showed (against Luton) that when we have the ball we can play good football as well,” Alvarez told the club’s media team.
“I think we need to be a little bit more brave with the ball.
“And (against Luton) I enjoyed our football and also when we needed to work hard, we did it.
“I think every game, every competition is different.”
One man who can help West Ham up their possession statistics is Alvarez’s former Ajax – and now Hammers – teammate Mohammed Kudus.
Hammers News called on lazy journalists and pundits to reassess how they “analyse” matches and ditch the obsession with possession.
Because ruthless, quick, counter-attacking play is arguably much more exciting than some of the sideways passing, tippy tappy football some managers and clubs are trying to play.
West Ham star Jarrod Bowen has also slammed Moyes’ detractors and defended his style of play recently.