Julian Alvarez: Everything you need to know about Manchester City's newest forward

A lad from Calchin, who due to a juvenile policy couldn’t sign for Real Madrid some years back, Julian Alvarez eventually completed a £14m move to Man City in January. Though the deal will see him stay at River Plate until the summer when he will eventually link up with the Premier League champion.

Since signing for Manchester City, the searchlight has beamed on every of Julian’s performances and a few have given their verdict about the 22-year-old Argentine.

Of a truth, Alvarez has not disappointed. In fact, his performance has left Citizens relishing his arrival this summer.

Since signing in January, Alvarez’s sumptuous displays have seen him increase his wonderful goal tally with a staggering six-goal haul in one Copa Libertadores fixture a standout.

So how much do we know about Julian Alvarez?

Julian Alvarez: Profile

The stellar Argentine was almost destined for a path straight to Madrid after starring on trial in the Spanish capital when he was only 11 years old.

Alvarez scored two goals in five appearances to help La Liga giants Real win a youth tournament in 2011. However, he was too young to make the switch permanent as Madrid’s policy is to wait until at least 13 before signing foreign talent.

Subsequently, he had trials with Boca Juniors before he joined Boca’s rivals River Plate from local side Atletico Calchin in 2016.

Since he arrived in the River first-team, Alvarez has won the Copa Libertadores, Copa Argentina, and Primera Division, among other trophies.

The forward was in Argentina’s squad alongside six-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi for their victorious Copa America campaign last summer.

Alvarez was the Primera Division’s top scorer in 2021 with 20 goals in 35 games, while also being named the South American Footballer of the Year.

Julian Alvarez: Positioning/Style of Play

Julian primarily operates as a forward where he managed 24 goals and 18 assists in 46 appearances in 2021.

The 22-year-old became a regular starter in 2020 with manager Marcelo Gallardo utilising him as both a centre-forward and a second striker.

Though he broke into the first team on the right, succeeding Eintracht Frankfurt star Rafael Santos Borre. His national team debut also saw Alvarez deployed in a similar position for Argentina, appearing as a second-half substitute in the 4-1 win over Bolivia at the Copa America.

What has been said?

After watching from the touchline Julian scoring a super-hat trick, River Coach Gallardo did not hold back the fact he was desperate for City to postpone the youngster’s arrival at the Etihad. Further referring to the striker as a diamond.

A move to City always seemed like it was written in the stars with Alvarez once admitting he plays with Pep Guardiola’s side on FIFA.

Fans at Man City will hope Julian’s stellar performance will continue upon his spell at the Etihad.