An Argentine celebrity forging his own path
Manchester City vs. Fluminense: Saudi Arabia 2023 FIFA Club World Cup Final
It’s rare to hear about Julian Alvarez as a pivotal member of Manchester City. Nevertheless, the Argentine has continued to leave his mark on the team. The enormous success of one Erling Haaland has eclipsed the Calchin-born forward’s move to the Etihad Stadium, but he is quietly carving out a place for himself.
Ever since Manchester City moved to the Etihad Stadium, Haaland has become the team’s main man and a household name. With his reckless abandon and ability to break records, the Norwegian has been a beast in front of goal, leading Manchester City to an unprecedented treble last season. However, Alvarez has additionally contributed significantly to that achievement.
When Haaland is having a rough game, the Argentina international usually steps up or adds his own quarter to help the team win. He is a constant performer on the domestic and continental scene. While others receive recognition, he quietly goes about his business finishing the task at hand.
That has been his style, which was evident in the recently finished Club World Cup. Someone had to step up because Haaland and the team haven’t been performing at their best lately. And he did, in a remote part of Saudi Arabia.
Haaland is currently recovering from an injury, which has made it difficult for the team to win games lately. While the team’s primary issue hasn’t been a goal deficit, a few more goals in the team’s last few draws could have easily turned a point into three. City has always had a way of outscoring the opposition, even before Pep Guardiola took over.
The squad is designed to attack and win games. However, this also means that it gives in a fair amount. And who cares if that leads to success?
The Blues have scored a lot of goals over the past ten or more years, and they won their first Premier League title in 2012 based on goal differential. The philosophy of City is straightforward: attack is still the most effective form of defense.
Therefore, it makes sense that City once fielded three elite strikers, such as Mario Balotelli, Edin Dzeko, and Sergio Aguero. When Aguero eventually gave up, Gabriel Jesus followed, and City had Haaland as a capable replacement. Naturally, a backup striker was also required.
Let’s introduce Julian Alvarez.
One of the Argentine’s best performances to date for the club was his most recent showing in the Middle East. In a 4-0 thumping of Fluminense, he produced a man-of-the-match display, scoring twice and setting up the third of City’s goals. An own goal completed the victory.
Alvarez demonstrated his potential importance to City in a game that elevated them among the heavyweights of Europe. When needed, the 23-year-old is proving that he can lead the team and hold his own. that he serves as Haaland’s more than a stand-in.
He is a much greater asset to City than most people realize because of his versatility. The big man and them together can only make City stronger.
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