The exceptional performances of Erling Haaland have undoubtedly played a pivotal role in Man City’s pursuit of the illustrious ‘treble’ this season. However, amidst the spotlight on Haaland, it is imperative not to overlook the emergence of Julian Alvarez, a formidable talent who has established himself as one of the best ‘doubles’ in the world. Alvarez’s ability to make a significant impact on the field has been instrumental in Man City’s success. Prior to the 2022 World Cup, Alvarez showcased his prowess by scoring nine goals in 20 matches, amassing an impressive playing time of 889 minutes. These outstanding performances earned him a spot on the Argentine national team under the guidance of coach Lionel Scaloni.
The 2022 World Cup proved to be a defining moment for Alvarez as he grabbed the opportunity to shine on the global stage. Initially used as a substitute in the first two group stage matches, Alvarez was given his first start against Poland, where he contributed a vital goal. Following this breakthrough, he became a regular starter for the remainder of the tournament, scoring three goals and providing one assist. Alvarez’s contributions played a crucial role in Argentina’s triumphant World Cup campaign, alongside superstar Lionel Messi and midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
Returning to Man City as a World Cup champion, Alvarez resumed his role as a dependable substitute for Haaland in the striker position. On occasions, Coach Pep Guardiola deployed both strikers together in a two-forward formation. However, it is evident that Alvarez’s significance within the team has somewhat diminished compared to his pre-World Cup performances. In the 12 Premier League matches following the 2022 World Cup, Alvarez started only three games, entered as a substitute in five matches, and remained unused in four games, mostly against formidable opponents such as Chelsea, Man United, Arsenal, and Newcastle. During these matches, Alvarez failed to score any goals and contributed just two assists.
It is apparent that Haaland’s incredible form has cast a significant shadow over Alvarez’s contributions. The Norwegian striker has been in scintillating form, scoring a remarkable 42 goals in just 37 appearances for Man City this season, leaving Alvarez with limited opportunities to showcase his abilities. While Haaland’s explosive performances have reduced Alvarez’s playing time, the Argentine striker still manages to leave his mark whenever given the chance by Coach Guardiola, particularly in domestic cup competitions. Alvarez has started three out of four FA Cup matches this season, scoring three goals and providing two assists, propelling Man City to the semi-finals.
Coach Guardiola’s admiration for Alvarez is palpable, as he has expressed his surprise and admiration for the player’s exceptional s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s and work ethic. Guardiola has praised Alvarez’s style of play, emphasizing his dedication and commitment on the field. The coach firmly believes that whenever Haaland is unavailable, Alvarez is undoubtedly the ideal choice to fill the void.
Despite joining Man City in the summer of 2022 for a fee of around £15 million and a weekly salary of £50,000, Alvarez’s remarkable performances have resulted in a doubling of his salary. He has recently signed an extended contract until June 2028, highlighting Man City’s recognition of his immense potential as a world-class super-sub. Alvarez’s ability to share the attacking burden with Haaland is seen as a vital component in Man City’s quest for multiple trophies.
With a tally of 12 goals in all competitions, Alvarez ranks just behind Haaland (42 goals) and Phil Foden (13 goals) as one of the top scorers for Man City this season (level with Riyad Mahrez). Alvarez boasts an impressive record of 140 minutes per goal, with only Haaland (68 minutes per goal) achieving a better ratio.
Looking ahead, it is clear that Julian Alvarez’s star is still on the rise. Despite the challenges posed by Haaland’s dominance, Alvarez’s impact on the field and his knack for making a difference in crucial matches make him an invaluable asset to Man City’s squad. As the team continues its pursuit of glory, Alvarez’s contributions will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their bid for success.
