Robbie Savage was blown away by Julian Alvarez as Manchester City strolled to victory at the FIFA Club World Cup.
A goal from the Argentina international after just 40 seconds – the quickest ever strike in this prestigious competition – set the Citizens on the way to glory, before Phil Foden forced an own goal from Nino to make it 2-0.
The England international then scored himself to make it 3-0 before the aforementioned Argentine put gloss on the victory in stoppage time with a fourth.
So, what did Julian Alvarez do to catch the eye of Robbie Savage during Manchester City‘s FIFA Club World Cup win? Let’s take a look…
Julian Alvarez stuns Robbie Savage
Well, the 49-year-old was seriously impressed by the South American’s improvisation in the opening minute.
Alvarez showed tremendous instinct to bend down and chest the ball beyond Fabio, after Nathan Ake’s initial shot took an awkward bounce towards the Argentine.
As the Manchester City No.19 wheeled away in celebration, Savage said while speaking on commentary duty for TNT Sports: “Wow. The improvisation!
“The reaction from Alvarez is wonderful. What a start to the game. Alvarez being able to improvise like that just shows what a player he is.”
A lot of players might have taken another touch to set themselves, or simply allowed the ball to bypass them in uncertainty, although the 23-year-old took his chance expertly.
Julian Alvarez scores in yet another competition since joining Manchester City
No matter what competition Manchester City are playing in, Alvarez will make an impact.
The £100,000-a-week man has now scored in six different competitions for the Citizens since arriving in a £14.1m deal from River Plate in 2022.
Alvarez has netted in the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, Carabao Cup, FA Community Shield and now the FIFA Club World Cup.
No Premier League player has scored in as many competitions since the forward joined Manchester City – according to Opta.
Talk about having a reliable presence up front.
With Erling Haaland missing due to injury and a strange rule – which also affected Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku – Alvarez stepped up to secure Manchester City’s first ever FIFA Club World Cup.
