After Manchester City defeated Burnley 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola was full of praise for Julian Alvarez.
Ahead of the contest, the Catalan boss emphasised how “important” the World Cup winner had been to his side this season.
As birthday boy Julian Alvarez turned 24 against Burnley, he showcased how crucial a figure he remains in this City side by bagging a well-taken brace.
Pep Guardiola hails “extraordinary” Julian Alvarez after Manchester City beat Burnley
The treble-winner exhibited his inch-perfect positioning for the first goal, as he found himself unmarked inside in the box and headed Matheus Nunes’ cross into the back of the net.
For his second goal of the contest against Vincent Kompany’s side, the Argentine made a smart run to get on the end of a lovely through ball from Kevin De Bruyne and beat James Trafford with a first-time finish.
As Julian Alvarez starred for Manchester City in their latest victory against Burnley, Pep Guardiola lauded his performance.
“Julian [Alvarez] is amazing. He’s an extraordinary player. In many, many things, [he] helps us, have an incredibly good, really, really one competition so yeah, really good. I’m very pleased for his birthday, not just for the goals but for the many things he does so really, really good”, Guardiola told TNT Sports (31/01/2024) during his post-match interview.
Julian Alvarez put in a top striker’s display
Unlike in recent weeks where the Calchin-born forward’s displays have divided opinion, he put in a convincing showing against the Clarets on Wednesday night.
Much like Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez showcased how alert he is in and around the box for both of his goals against Burnley, which must have pleased Pep Guardiola.
Even in build-up, Alvarez was much more reliable than in recent weeks when he has often lost the ball, either due to a loose touch or after being dominated in a physical battle with a defender.
Julian Alvarez often dropped deep, played a perfect pass and went on to advance further up the pitch, which made the Sky Blues much more fluid in possession.
