A season to adapt, another to break everything? Julian Alvarez certainly hopes so, he who has generously stocked his trophy cabinet thanks to world champion Argentina and the treble for his club Manchester City. Having become important with his selection during the World Cup, he was a luxury joker in the eyes of Pep Guardiola throughout the victorious 2022-2023 season. But things have visibly changed.
The Argentine striker started all 5 Premier League matches as a starter and was only replaced once during the match. He also started Tuesday evening in the Champions League and scored a saving double against Red Star Belgrade, who were leading the score. While Erling Haaland harvested his chances, the Argentinian was clinical on his first goal, and benefited from an error by the goalkeeper on the second.
A growing influence
Beyond his achievements, it is his importance in his team’s game which has increased considerably. On TNT Sportsthe former Scottish international, turned consultant, Ally McCoist did not say anything else. “It’s a crazy thing to say, but I think he’s gone a bit under the radar despite the trophies he’s won over the last two years. (…) He is becoming a very important player, a key player for City”.
With his interesting positioning, in support of Erling Haaland, Alvarez offers an enormous burst of energy, is not afraid to shoot from distance (several attempts outside the area Tuesday evening against Red Star Belgrade), and develops an increasingly deep bond with the Norwegian, like the first goal, a long one-two. Add to the definitive emergence of Alvarez the promising debut of Jérémy Doku and the offensive sector of Manchester City is enough to scare anyone…
