One moment in Manchester City’s win against Liverpool last month summed up Julian Alvarez – but it wasn’t a goal or an assist.
Julian Alvarez has enjoyed an impressive first season at City, even if his performances have been somewhat overshadowed by those of fellow striker Erling Haaland.
The Argentinian striker has scored 15 goals in 42 appearances this term, a seemingly modest return until you consider that he has been in the starting line-up for just 18 of those outings.
His latest goal was a superb long-range strike during the 2-1 win against Fulham on Sunday, a match-winning effort that prompted Pep Guardiola to describe the 22-year-old as “extraordinary.”
Alvarez might not have hit the goal-scoring heights of teammate and fellow summer arrival Haaland, but he more than makes up for that with his relentless pressing and work off-the-ball.
Guardiola has previously praised Alvarez’s application on the training ground and attitude both when he is and isn’t playing.
Hidden moment shows Alvarez’s attitude
The Athletic’s Sam Lee has given further insight into how the attacker conducts himself behind closed doors.
Alvarez put in a fine performance in City’s 4-1 defeat of Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium last month, scoring City’s equaliser and playing the full 90 minutes as he deputised for the injured Haaland.
The Argentine played an instrumental role in City’s press – something Liverpool could not live with – but he was not overly happy with his performance.
According to Lee, after the match Alvarez apologised to his teammates and coaches for the – to the untrained eye – minor role he played in Liverpool’s goal.
Early in the first half the £14m attacker had tried to press Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson rather than staying in his position and blocking a passing lane.
His attempt was unsuccessful, Liverpool played their way out of danger and seconds later Mohamed Salah put the visitors ahead.
After a 4-1 win, nobody – perhaps not even Guardiola – was thinking about Alvarez’ inconsequential mistake.
Yet the fact that Alvarez recognised his error and apologised for it speaks volumes about his standards and attitude.
Back in January 2022 City signed themselves a goalscorer from River Plate, but they got a model professional too.
