Pep Guardiola has emphasised that Julian Alvarez has been extremely key to Manchester City this season.
It is a testament to how far Alvarez has come this campaign that he has started in every Premier League game for City so far.
Scoring two goals and assisting one in his last five league games as well, the World Cup winner has also deputised well in Erling Haaland’s injury-stricken absence.
Pep Guardiola says Julian Alvarez has been “so important” for Manchester City this season
The £14 million (Guardian) man’s brilliant performances at the Etihad Stadium have even caught Barcelona wonderkid Pedri’s eye, who hailed him as a “very good player” in January.
Daniel Sturridge, who described the 24-year-old as a “magnificent football player” claimed that the Manchester City boss must be over the moon with his displays.
Now, Pep Guardiola has emphasised that Julian Alvarez remains key to his side when quizzed about whether his place is in threat due to Kevin De Bruyne being fully fit and Erling Haaland’s imminent return.
“When we have all the squad, it depends on how they perform, they will have more minutes or less minutes so they have to compete. I see what I see in the training sessions, I see many things and of course, I want everybody involved but [it] depends on how they perform.”
“Julian [Alvarez] have been so important, why should [that] be different from now on? [It] Depends on how they perform”, Guardiola said (via BeanymanSports’ YouTube channel).
Julian Alvarez may struggle to start but ultimately, meritocracy is king
As Pep Guardiola said, Julian Alvarez has been a crucial figure in the Manchester City side this season.
However, with Kevin De Bruyne having recently returned from injury and Erling Haaland also set to do so, one questions how regularly the Argentine will feature in City’s starting sides.
De Bruyne has already shown why he remains an elite number 10 upon his Premier League return against Newcastle while Haaland is the division’s joint-top goalscorer, making it a challenge for Alvarez to cement his spot in place of any of the two in the side.
But as Pep Guardiola claimed, Julian Alvarez and every other player at Manchester City must be aware that they will be picked on merit.
As a result, the former River Plate frontman should consider Guardiola’s message as a challenge during the second half of the season.
