Hydrogen is placed in the alkali metals group primarily because it has 1 valence electron. This characteristic is similar to alkali metals, which also have a single electron in their outermost shell, leading to similar reactivity patterns.
Although hydrogen does not exhibit the same physical and chemical properties as the alkali metals, its placement reflects its electronic configuration. While other statements, like forming hydroxides or strong acids, may be true, the key reason for its grouping is its single valence electron.