Edson Álvarez thanks for Ricardo La Volpe for trust in younger days
The Ajax player wants young Mexican players to be given an opportunity to play.
Edson Álvarez is one of Mexico’s finest players. The Ajax midfielder has shone brightly for the Dutch giants in both the domestic competition and the Champions League, but things may have turned out differently if it wasn’t for Ricardo La Volpe.
In an interview with ESPN, Álvarez, 25, admitted that the Argentine tactician was a fundamental part of his development: “In general to ‘Nacho’ who gave me the opportunity to debut in the cup, but then all the follow-up that Ricardo gave me was tremendous. I think that another coach would have taken me out [of the side]. At the end of the day, people demand results and a coach has to get results and I believe that La Volpe had the authority and belief to keep me,” said the former América player.
Lack of opportunities for younger players
Álvarez explained that it is difficult for a Mexican youth player to stand out without the confidence of coaches: “Give them the time, give them the confidence (to the young players). Nowadays in these top national teams, France, England, you see 18-year-olds already in the first team and playing in the senior national team.”
“In Mexico, we say that a player at 18 has to learn, but what does he have to learn, where you learn is on the pitch and you make mistakes, like me in my time. When I started I made a lot of mistakes, I gave away a penalty against Chivas, I scored an own goal against Pachuca and La Volpe never took me off. He always continued to support me,” Álvarez added.
Linked with move to Chelsea
The Mexican national team player was close to joining Chelsea in the last transfer window, but Ajax declined the offer for Álvarez. According to Transfermarkt, the defensive midfielder is currently worth €35 million.