Julian Alvarez, the kid Pep Guardiola loves

23/08/2023 Upd. at 11:56 CEST

Everyone at Manchester City loves Julian. The 'Spider' faces his second season as a Manchester City player with the same confidence as on the first day. Or even more, because the Argentine has established himself as a regular player in Guardiola's eleven and one of the best options for the team in attack.

Without going any further, he has played the full 90 of the first two Premier League games, with an assist and a goal that was worth three points. Julian continues to 'bite' as always, an overwhelming player on the pitch who does not leave a drop in the gas tank.

Now more than ever, the former River man has become a key player for the coach from Santpedor, who after the departure of Mahrez and Gündogan and the serious injury to Kevin de Bruyne needs that profile of player capable of occupying inside areas and breaking into space in the opposition defence. And that's where Julián is in his element.

He is determined to etch his name in Manchester City history. Although there are some who would like to see him away from the Etihad, the Argentine has everything it takes to settle into his role and partner Erling Haaland at the start of the season. Although he was a substitute in the European Super Cup final, in the two games in which he played the full ninety minutes (Burnley and Newcastle), Julian was decisive with an assist and a goal. And what a goal it was...

This was Pep Guardiola's reaction after watching from the touchline as the Argentinian's shot flew into the top corner of the net. It was a devilish strike that broke the deadlock in a game that had stalled for City and could have ended in tragedy had it not been for the Argentinian's magical start.

Having made just 26 starts since his arrival at Manchester City, he has amassed a scandalous record: 23 goal appearances between 18 goals and 5 assists. Not bad for a player who, a priori, was supposed to be Haaland's understudy.

Julian, moreover, is a player who has proven to be a magnet for winning titles. With him, Manchester City know that they will continue to add trophies to the Etihad museum. At the age of 23, the Argentinian has already won 14 trophies, the same as Leo Messi had won at his age.