JACK GAUGHAN: Julian Alvarez’s impact in Man City’s attack flew under the radar last season as Erling Haaland hogged the limelight… but with the instinct of a striker and industry of a midfielder, he’s always been one of Pep’s favourites

• Some will say Julian Alvarez is Man City’s secret weapon – but he’s more than that
• He waited for his chance and is now reaping the rewards in a rich vein of form  
• Click HERE to listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s ‘It’s All Kicking Off’ 

To suggest that Julian Alvarez represents a secret weapon for Manchester City would be wrong. But when a squad includes Erling Haaland, some others can fly under the radar.

Especially in attack. As Haaland plundered all records during an unfathomably strong debut season, Alvarez just plugged away. He waited for his chances, often sat on the bench.

The Argentine was involved in the majority of matches as they strode to a Treble, making a surprising 49 appearances, yet his minutes were way down on Haaland’s. It’s hard to truly shine with 20 minutes here or half an hour there.

That has all changed this term. Kevin De Bruyne’s hamstring operation, keeping him out for months, has forced Pep Guardiola into a re-think. City needed to find another No 10 to sit behind Haaland and Alvarez has been the one to fill that void.

He offers something different in that area of the pitch: a striker’s instinct with the industry of a central midfielder, and that is why Guardiola loves him.

Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez has become a vital part of Pep Guardiola’s attack this season

With the instinct of a striker and industry of a midfielder, the Argentine star is a huge talent

It’s clear to see that in-form Alvarez has become one of Guardiola’s favourites at the Etihad

Alvarez knits the two departments together, helps to manoeuvre more bodies closer to Haaland to stop any potential isolation. And then there is his eye for goal, to help share the burden. Alvarez has six this season and the majority have been of fair importance.

The winner against Newcastle, the first when beating Fulham, two in a win over Red Star Belgrade and a crucial intervention in Leipzig on Tuesday night. Alvarez had been on the pitch five minutes when he dug out something on the edge of the box to make sure City have two wins from two in the Champions League. He’s not bad at conjuring rousing bits of brilliance.

Guardiola described that moment as ‘outstanding’ and that there was no surprise as to who had conjured it. His stature within the group is growing and Alvarez’s penchant for big moments is not a bad trait whatsoever.

‘Listen, he is a player who is a world champion – that’s because he is good,’ Guardiola said. ‘It’s not the first time he has made this impact.’

City were lucky to have him in Saxony. Haaland misfired, squandering a number of decent chances on a disappointing night. To have somebody else who steps up is a major positive and if he played for any other Premier League team, Alvarez’s ability might be a topic of more discussion.

‘He’s magical,’ Phil Foden said. ‘Julian has been top this season. He is someone we look to now to score the big goals. He came on and changed the game and he is a big player for us.’

His superb run has been helped by the unfortunate injury to Kevin De Bruyne this summer

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Alvarez flew under the radar last campaign because of Erling Haaland’s historic debut season

At £14million from River Plate, this could end up becoming one of the best bargains in recent years. Guardiola initially wanted a look at him in training, to see how the Argentine might fit, and was not absolutely certain that he would remain with the team. 

Others go out on loan – which has been the case for compatriot Maximo Perrone – but after securing a move to City, Alvarez just kept on scoring in South America. All sorts of goals, too, with his highlights reel packed with stunning strikes, much like the one at the Red Bull Arena.

So the idea of a loan was quickly knocked on the head and he became an integral part of a squad that went and created history. City sources were quick to knock down talk of interest in Evan Ferguson recently, saying that the club already had one of the best young strikers in world football.

It’s easy to forget that he is only 23, the same age as Haaland, and there is clearly more to come from a player who continues to improve and chalks up moment after moment. Even with the long Norwegian shadow next to him.

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