Edson Álvarez is not scared of new experiences.
It is a trait that goes back to his childhood, kicking a ball along the streets of Tlalnepantla de Baz. His older brother would push him to join in with the older children, his ability already standing him out among the local youngsters.
It is where his nickname ‘El Machín’ comes from. The Machine. One can almost picture it. A young Álvarez, relentlessly driven, almost unstoppable.
“My nickname comes from the streets,” the 25-year-old smiles. “When I was a kid, I used to play on the streets with my brother and the older kids, and he used to challenge me. I would always play against them, and I would play without fear.”
The Mexican international has carried that mentality everywhere he has been since. It has now accompanied him to east London, where Álvarez has relished his first week as a West Ham United player.
Taking to the pitches at the Rush Green training ground, Álvarez already looks right at home.
Even the unpredictability that comes with a typical British summer has not thrown the midfielder off-course in the slightest.
He continued: “It’s been a special week. I’ve done my first training sessions with the team and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know everyone. I’m happy with how it’s been.
“We’ve had all kinds of weather this week! But it’s the same kind of weather as we got in Amsterdam so I am used to it. The sun has been shining the last couple of days though, which always gives me good energy, so I’m getting a good feeling about being in London.
“I’m excited for what the next few days will bring and then, of course, we have the game on Sunday which will be special for me too.”
A London derby is an enticing proposition as a first taste of Premier League football. Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea will make the trip around the M25 to London Stadium on Sunday, with both sides seeking a first three points of the new campaign.
“I’m really looking forward to the game. I’m happy my first game could be against such a good opponent.
“Of course, it’s up to the manager if I come in and play but I’m excited for that first chance. If he decides to pick me, I’ll be ready.”
Sunday’s fixture could be determined by the midfield battle; one with the topical narrative of new signings across both teams.
Álvarez was quickly followed by another central midfielder in James Ward-Prowse in signing for the Hammers, while Chelsea’s pursuit of Ecuadorian international Moises Caicedo concluded earlier this week, as the Blues signed the 21-year-old from Brighton.
Caicedo could form an intriguing partnership with Argentine Enzo Fernández in the Chelsea centre and Álvarez is relishing the prospect of challenging himself against the Blues’ new-look midfield.
“Both of them are very good players,” he said. “Enzo has been there a few months and Moises has just joined, but I know them because they are both Latinos.
“They are amazing players and it will be amazing to play against them. It will be a good challenge and a good test for me, and the whole team too.”
Whoever lines up in the starting XI for Sunday’s opposition does not overly concern Álvarez, though. He will head into battle with the same resolve and determination. El Machín is going to battle.
In front of 62,500 fans at London Stadium, with the roar of the Claret and Blue Army, Álvarez wants to make the best possible first impression.
He added: “The chance to step out at London Stadium, in front of the West Ham fans; what an experience that will be. I want to play for them and in front of them, and Sunday is a good chance to do that.”
