Edson Alvarez: Stats in West Ham midfielder's cameo show why offers must be rejected

West Ham United midfielder Edson Alvarez came off the bench as Mexico kicked off the 2026 World Cup with 2-0 victory over South Africa on Thursday.

The tournament's first goal would take just nine minutes to go in, with Julian Quinones striking well past the goalkeeper, but most of the action happened after the break.

Sphephelo Sithole was sent off for a last-man foul before Raul Jimenez's header made it 2-0 and put the game out of reach for South Africa, but there was more to come.

Following Alvarez's introduction, South Africa went down to nine men when Themba Zwane was adjudged to have slapped Roberto Alvarado on VAR review, before Mexico received a red card of their own when Cesar Montes was dismissed in the closing seconds.

Alvarez found himself starting in the centre of defence in his nation's friendly against Australia at the end of last month, and he could be required to return there against South Korea next week.

West Ham are set to hold discussions with the 28-year-old on his future upon his return to London this summer, and he may take some convincing to stay.

Edson Alvarez's stats in World Cup cameo

Alvarez joined West Ham in 2023 from Ajax and initially impressed, before ultimately falling out of favour under Graham Potter.

The 28-year-old was loaned out to Fenerbahce last summer with the deal including an option to buy, but the midfielder's campaign was marred by injuries and the Turkish club ultimately opted against a permanent move.

He will be among the potential departures at West Ham this summer amid relegation to the Championship, but there may be some hope to convince him to stay.

The Mexico international's cameo off the bench on Thursday showed exactly why those talks could be crucial.

In just 14 minutes on the pitch, Alvarez brought security and presence, misplacing only one of his 15 passes and completing six into the final third.

The West Ham midfielder also completed a tackle, a recovery, won a free-kick and won every single duel he contested.

Alvarez's experience to be key for West Ham

With the exception of Tomas Soucek, West Ham's current midfield options are generally very young.

Mateus Fernandes is expected to leave this summer, but Freddie Potts, Mohamdou Kante and Soungoutou Magassa could all stay and play a part.

With such a young core, the experience of the likes of Alvarez could prove key to keeping the focus in what is expected to be a long and difficult Championship season.

Whether the 28-year-old wants that role is another question, but the Hammers would be mad not to ask it.