Julian Alvarez delivered a phenomenal performance on Tuesday as Manchester City recorded a 3-1 win over Red Star Belgrade in the UEFA Champions League.
The Argentina international scored twice to help Pep Guardiola’s side come from 1-0 down against the Serbian giants, and in doing so, actually put his name in the history books.
So, what did Julian Alvarez do as Manchester City picked up three points in the UEFA Champions League? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, the £14.1m man remarkably created seven chances against Red Star Belgrade, while also finding time to have eight attempts of his own.
In doing so, he joined Arjen Robben and Karim Benzema as the only three players to record that high of a total in both departments since UEFA Champions League data started to be collected in 2003/04.
That is according to Opta.
Benzema and Robben are two of the greatest players to ever kick a ball, so it speaks volumes that Alvarez finds himself in such esteemed company at the age of just 23.
Julian Alvarez delivered a coming of age performance for Manchester City
The South American has been electric ever since his move from River Plate in 2022, but last night’s display seemed to be a coming of age performance.
Alvarez was brave, acting as the catalyst for his side’s comeback while others failed to bring their A-game to the Etihad Stadium, showing real maturity and selflessness to provide for his teammates in addition to scoring twice himself.
After full time, Guardiola admitted that his No.19 now deserves to be among the first names on the teamsheet, which speaks volumes given the Spaniard’s tendency to rotate.
The 52-year-old is quoted by Eurosport as saying: “He deserves it. He’s working, scoring goals, making assists, so when that happens (a start) he deserves it.”
Hopefully, Alvarez can maintain this stunning level throughout the 2023/24 campaign.
