No one can deny the stature Mexico’s top-flight, known as Liga MX or Liga BBVA MX, has reached in recent years. Similar to the Major League Soccer, the league has grown into one of the most attractive competitions in the CONCACAF – CONMEBOL region, often attracting international players and talented stars that join the tournament every year.
Things have gotten so good that names such as Andre-Pierre Gignac, Vincent Janssen and Giovani dos Santos have landed in the league in recent years, just to name a few. But Liga MX does not only import. They also export several players into Europe. Hirving Lozano and Erick Gutierrez were the latest household names to move – both signed with PSV Eindhoven – but now another name has made the jump to the Eredivisie. He goes by the name of Edson Alvarez.
For those of you who don’t follow Liga MX regularly, Alvarez is one of the biggest prospects in the country. He has signed with Ajax, and already reported to the side’s pre-season so he could very well become an alternative for the first Matchweek of the Eredivisie.
Who is Edson Alvarez? And What Could He Bring To Ajax?
A Club America academy product, Alvarez spent his entire career with Las Aguilas before making the jump to the Netherlands. The 21-year-old Mexico international is a versatile defender who can play both as a centre-back and as a defensive midfielder, although Gerardo Martino used to deploy him on the latter in the Mexican NT.
Alvarez might seem lanky, but he stands at almost 6’1” so he possesses enough height to play as a defender in Europe. But given the fact Ajax lost Frenkie de Jong this summer, Alvarez could very well take his place as the team’s defensive midfielder. But he could also become Matthijs de Ligt’s replacement at centre-back. That versatility could be huge for him going forward.
What other Liga MX players could move to Europe in recent years?
The Mexican star will bring toughness, grit and a quality touch from the back to Ajax. He possesses the club’s DNA given his playing style, and he won’t have problems to settle in one of the biggest clubs in Europe.
It’s not a secret that Europe routinely look at Liga MX for potential transfers. Keep an eye on names such as Jose Juan Macias (Leon), Victor Guzman (Pachuca), Roberto Alvarado (Cruz Azul) and Ernesto Vega (Chivas Guadalajara) just to name a few.
Alvarez is the latest Liga MX star to make the jump overseas. But he’s not going to be the last one.
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