World Cup rising star Julian Alvarez of Argentina

22-year-old striker Julian Alvarez was a key figure in Argentina’s title run. 【AFP Authorization】

When Julian Alvarez arrived in Qatar with the squad, he was just a substitute other than the main force. But in the imminent final stage, Alvarez is now one of the great arrows of attack against France.

Alvarez, who belongs to Manchester City in the Premier League, started just one match in the group stage and was originally a substitute for Inter Milan striker Lartaro Martinez.

In the first match of the group stage, the new champions of the Copa America lost to Saudi Arabia 1:2. In that game that shocked the world, Alvarez didn’t get a chance to play.

But from another perspective, that match will probably be a turning point in his national team career.

In the opening match Lautaro scored twice, but both were declared offside.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni continued to field Lautaro in Game 2. Despite a 2-0 win over Mexico in that match, the coach opted to start Alvarez in the third round as Poland decided the promotion order. He has never left the starting list so far.

Alvarez, nicknamed “The Spider” (“La Arana”), caught a pass from his teammates in the second half of the Polish game and shot into the top corner of the goal, successfully making the score 2:0 and carried away the decisive victory victory.

When he faced Australia in the round of 16, Alvarez successfully scored the second point and finally managed to get the 2:1 victory to advance to the quarterfinals. When the top 8 match against the Netherlands came, it also caused a lot of problems for the Dutch defense.

At the semi-final stage, Alvarez single-handedly broke into the Croatian penalty area and caused a goalkeeper foul. He successfully won a free throw from 12 yards and handed it over to Messi. He scored twice in this match and finally defeated Croatia 3-0 West Asia, successfully qualified to the final.

Alvarez has scored a total of 4 goals in this tournament, second only to Messi and Mbappe of the French team.

After winning the semifinals, Alvarez said in an interview: “Obviously I’m very happy personally, and I’m even happier to help the team advance to the final.” rhythm. This is what we stand for.

Excellent performance by Alvarez, coach Scaloni is very satisfied.

“At his age it’s normal to have that desire to conquer everyone. But he’s a player who follows instructions a lot.”

good deal

Alvarez’s rise has been astounding.

The transfer transaction deadline on January 31 this year is also Alvarez’s 22nd birthday. Manchester City in the Premier League successfully acquired Alvarez for just 17 million euros.

However, he continued to stay on loan at Ajia River Plate until the end of the season.

Manchester City director of football Txiki Begiristain believes Alvarez has great development potential and also said that they have been paying attention to him for some time.

“Alvarez has the ability to play in a variety of offensive roles and we strongly believe he is one of the best young offensive linemen in South America,” said Begiristain.

“I’m really happy to have brought him to Manchester City. I really think the team can give him the right environment to express his potential and become a top player.”

Alvarez has many competitors in the same position at Manchester City, including Erling Haaland who has just arrived. The Norwegian has already managed to break several records.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has started Alvarez just three times this season, but has managed to score three points in those few appearances.

Going forward, Alvarez may still have to fight for more playing time at Manchester City. But after the baptism of Qatar, he has a great opportunity to show the team his ambition and his skills with the title of champion of the World Cup.

【AFP Authorization】