Pundit, Noel Whelan has given his verdict on how Julian Alvarez could fit into Manchester City’s starting eleven.
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan claimed the Argentine may have to ‘adapt’ if he wants to start matches for the club.
City signed Alvarez at the end of January from River Plate for around £14 million. He remained with the Argentinean side on loan, until the end of the 2021/2022 season.
Alvarez endured a very successful World Cup with Argentina, he scored four times in the tournament as the South American side lifted the trophy, beating France in the final.
Speaking ahead of the World Cup final, Whelan stated:
“It’s a difficult one because Pep Guardiola plays a very different style to Argentina.
“Whatever he’s doing with Haaland at the moment, it’s working.
“It could be that he has to adapt to a different role if he wants to start games.
“But the huge part for Man City is that he’s starting games for his country, scoring goals – and he could come back after Christmas as a World Cup winner.
“We’ve seen how he’s a real goalscorer already, and he’ll be coming back sharp – physically and mentally.
“I think he can play anywhere across that front three. I don’t think he’s just a number nine.”
TIF’s view on Whelan’s comments…
We believe that Alvarez may have to be open to playing in a different position if he’s to be a starter for Man City.
The 22-year-old, who is valued at £78.5 million (CIES), usually operates as a striker, but he can also play out on the wing. So there’s a chance that manager, Pep Guardiola could see his future out wide.
Alvarez has only made three starts in the Premier League this season, but has been able to find the net on three occasions for City.
Erling Haaland has been ahead of him in the pecking order, the Norwegian forward has 18 goals in 13 Premier League matches.
Guardiola knows the talent that the Argentine has, after all, it was the Spaniard that brought him to the club. He’s still very young, so there’s plenty of time for him to work out where he can slot into City’s side.
His World Cup outing will definitely made a massive statement, having a World Cup winner’s medal at only 22-years-old is astounding.