Julián Alvarez

==== 2023–24: Starting eleven breakthrough and departure====

==== 2023–24: Starting eleven breakthrough and departure====

On 19 August, Alvarez netted the lone goal in a 1–0 victory over [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]].{{Cite web |date=19 September 2023 |title=Julian Alvarez's first-half goal enough for Man City to beat Newcastle in EPL |url=https://apnews.com/article/manchester-city-newcastle-premier-league-alvarez-cc9c10fa5cdce9a1327b5149c81f0182 |access-date=8 October 2023 |website=[[AP News]] |language=en |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008182729/https://apnews.com/article/manchester-city-newcastle-premier-league-alvarez-cc9c10fa5cdce9a1327b5149c81f0182 |url-status=live}} Following the injuries of [[Bernardo Silva]] and [[Kevin De Bruyne]], Alvarez began featuring more regularly in the starting eleven, registering four goal contributions in his next Premier League matches, including two assists in a 3–1 away win over West Ham United on 16 September.{{cite web |url=https://www.mancity.com/news/mens/west-ham-united-v-city-match-report-63830469 |title=City fight back to win Hammers thriller and maintain perfect start |publisher=Manchester City F.C. |date=16 September 2023 |access-date=8 October 2023 |archive-date=5 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005090353/https://www.mancity.com/news/mens/west-ham-united-v-city-match-report-63830469 |url-status=live}} Three days later, he scored a brace in City's 3–1 home win over [[Red Star Belgrade]] in the UEFA Champions League.{{Cite web |last=Marrett |first=Adam |date=21 September 2023 |title=Matheus Nunes makes an immediate impact in first start for City. |url=https://esteemedkompany.com/2023/09/21/matheus-nunes-makes-an-immediate-impact-in-first-start-for-manchester-city/ |access-date=23 September 2023 |website=Esteemed Kompany |language=en |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007201435/https://esteemedkompany.com/2023/09/21/matheus-nunes-makes-an-immediate-impact-in-first-start-for-manchester-city/ |url-status=live}} Alvarez finished in 7th place in the [[2023 Ballon d'Or]].{{Cite web |date=October 31, 2023 |title=Ballon d'Or 2023 official rankings: Lionel Messi beats Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to claim eighth Golden Ball |url=https://www.goal.com/en-ng/lists/ballon-dor-2023-official-rankings/blt67b37a84a3acec81 |access-date=November 4, 2023 |magazine=Goal |archive-date=31 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031184542/https://www.goal.com/en-ng/lists/ballon-dor-2023-official-rankings/blt67b37a84a3acec81 |url-status=live}} On 22 December, Manchester City defeated [[Fluminense FC|Fluminense]] 4–0 in the [[2023 FIFA Club World Cup final]] as Alvarez scored a brace and provided an assist to claim his first [[FIFA Club World Cup|Club World Cup]] title and finish the tournament as top scorer; with his first goal being the fastest in the competition's history at 40 seconds. On 4 May 2024, Alvarez made his 100th appearance for City, marking it with a late goal in a 5–1 league win over [[Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.|Wolverhampton Wanderers]].{{cite news |url=https://www.mancity.com/news/mens/julian-alvarez-100-city-appearances-63850445 |title=Alvarez reaches 100 City appearances |publisher=Manchester City F.C. |date=4 May 2024 |access-date=4 May 2024}}

On 19 August, Alvarez netted the lone goal in a 1–0 victory over [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]].{{Cite web |date=19 September 2023 |title=Julian Alvarez's first-half goal enough for Man City to beat Newcastle in EPL |url=https://apnews.com/article/manchester-city-newcastle-premier-league-alvarez-cc9c10fa5cdce9a1327b5149c81f0182 |access-date=8 October 2023 |website=[[AP News]] |language=en |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008182729/https://apnews.com/article/manchester-city-newcastle-premier-league-alvarez-cc9c10fa5cdce9a1327b5149c81f0182 |url-status=live}} Following the injuries of [[Bernardo Silva]] and [[Kevin De Bruyne]], Alvarez began featuring more regularly in the starting eleven, registering four goal contributions in his next Premier League matches, including two assists in a 3–1 away win over West Ham United on 16 September.{{cite web |url=https://www.mancity.com/news/mens/west-ham-united-v-city-match-report-63830469 |title=City fight back to win Hammers thriller and maintain perfect start |publisher=Manchester City F.C. |date=16 September 2023 |access-date=8 October 2023 |archive-date=5 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005090353/https://www.mancity.com/news/mens/west-ham-united-v-city-match-report-63830469 |url-status=live}} Three days later, he scored a brace in City's 3–1 home win over [[Red Star Belgrade]] in the UEFA Champions League.{{Cite web |last=Marrett |first=Adam |date=21 September 2023 |title=Matheus Nunes makes an immediate impact in first start for City. |url=https://esteemedkompany.com/2023/09/21/matheus-nunes-makes-an-immediate-impact-in-first-start-for-manchester-city/ |access-date=23 September 2023 |website=Esteemed Kompany |language=en |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007201435/https://esteemedkompany.com/2023/09/21/matheus-nunes-makes-an-immediate-impact-in-first-start-for-manchester-city/ |url-status=live}} Alvarez finished in 7th place in the [[2023 Ballon d'Or]].{{Cite web |date=October 31, 2023 |title=Ballon d'Or 2023 official rankings: Lionel Messi beats Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to claim eighth Golden Ball |url=https://www.goal.com/en-ng/lists/ballon-dor-2023-official-rankings/blt67b37a84a3acec81 |access-date=4 November 2023 |magazine=Goal |archive-date=31 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031184542/https://www.goal.com/en-ng/lists/ballon-dor-2023-official-rankings/blt67b37a84a3acec81 |url-status=live}} On 22 December, Manchester City defeated [[Fluminense FC|Fluminense]] 4–0 in the [[2023 FIFA Club World Cup final]] as Alvarez scored a brace and provided an assist to claim his first [[FIFA Club World Cup|Club World Cup]] title and finish the tournament as top scorer; with his first goal being the fastest in the competition's history at 40 seconds. On 4 May 2024, Alvarez made his 100th appearance for City, marking it with a late goal in a 5–1 league win over [[Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.|Wolverhampton Wanderers]].{{cite news |url=https://www.mancity.com/news/mens/julian-alvarez-100-city-appearances-63850445 |title=Alvarez reaches 100 City appearances |publisher=Manchester City F.C. |date=4 May 2024 |access-date=4 May 2024}}

===Atlético Madrid===

===Atlético Madrid===

[[File:FC Salzburg vs. Atletico Madrid (2025-01-29 UEFA Championsleague) 74.jpg|thumb|Alvarez (right) playing for Atlético Madrid against [[FC Red Bull Salzburg|Red Bull Salzburg]] in 2025]]

[[File:FC Salzburg vs. Atletico Madrid (2025-01-29 UEFA Championsleague) 74.jpg|thumb|Alvarez (right) playing for Atlético Madrid against [[FC Red Bull Salzburg|Red Bull Salzburg]] in 2025]]

On 12 August 2024, [[La Liga]] club [[Atlético Madrid]] confirmed the signing of Alvarez on a six-year deal reportedly worth up to €95 million (£81.8 million), which became a club-record departure for City.{{cite news |date=12 August 2024 |title=Welcome, Julián Alvarez! |url=https://en.atleticodemadrid.com/noticias/welcome-julian-alvarez |access-date=12 August 2024 |publisher=[[Atlético Madrid]]}}{{cite news |last=Ornstein |first=David |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5681745/2024/08/06/julian-alvarez-atletico-madrid-transfer/ |title=Atletico Madrid agree €95m deal with Manchester City for Julian Alvarez |publisher=The Athletic |date=6 August 2024 |access-date=12 August 2024}} On 19 August, he made his debut for the club, as a substitute, in a 2–2 draw against [[Villarreal CF|Villarreal]] in the league.{{Cite web |date=19 August 2024 |title=Villarreal hold Atletico Madrid to a draw in first game of season |url=https://www.espn.in/football/report/_/gameId/704669 |access-date=23 August 2024}} On 15 September, Alvarez scored his first goal for the club in the 90th minute of a 3–0 victory over Valencia FC.{{Citation needed|date=January 2026}} On 12 March 2025, Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid went to penalties after tying 2–2 on aggregate in the [[2024–25 UEFA Champions League#Round of 16|round of 16]] of the UEFA Champions League. Alvarez took Atlético's second penalty, but slipped as he took it yet appeared to successfully convert it, however through the [[video assistant referee]] it was determined that Alvarez had slightly touched the ball with his standing foot before striking it, causing the goal to be disallowed for double-touching the ball. Real Madrid would go on to win the penalty shoot-out 4–2 and advance to the next round. A day later, [[UEFA]] released a statement explaining that the decision to disallow Alvarez's penalty was the correct one, but that they would enter discussions with [[FIFA]] and [[International Football Association Board|IFAB]] to determine whether the rule should be reviewed in cases in which the double touch is clearly unintentional.{{Cite web |title=Atleti vs Real Madrid |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/2044778--atleti-vs-real-madrid/timeline/ |access-date=16 March 2025 |website= |publisher=[[UEFA]]}}{{Cite web |date=13 March 2025 |title=UEFA statement on VAR decision at Atlético de Madrid vs Real Madrid match |url=https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/0297-1d449595df1f-e4e8a42fabeb-1000--uefa-statement-on-var-decision-at-atletico-de-madrid-vs-re/ |access-date=16 March 2025 |website= |publisher=UEFA}}{{Cite news |date=13 March 2025 |title=UEFA to discuss with FIFA, IFAB rule that disallowed Alvarez penalty |url=https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/uefa-discuss-with-fifa-ifab-rule-that-caused-alvarez-penalty-be-disallowed-2025-03-13/ |access-date=16 March 2025 |work= |publisher=[[Reuters]]}} On 24 September 2025, he scored a winning hat-trick against Rayo Vallecano.{{Cite web |title=Après un début de saison décevant en Liga, l'Atlético de Madrid se lance contre le Rayo Vallecano grâce à un triplé de Julian Alvarez |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Apres-un-debut-de-saison-catastrophique-en-liga-l-atletico-de-madrid-se-relance-contre-le-rayo-vallecano-grace-a-un-triple-de-julian-alvarez/1596383 |access-date=25 September 2025 |website=L'Équipe |language=fr}}

On 12 August 2024, [[La Liga]] club [[Atlético Madrid]] confirmed the signing of Alvarez on a six-year deal reportedly worth up to €95 million (£81.8 million), which became a club-record departure for City.{{cite news |date=12 August 2024 |title=Welcome, Julián Alvarez! |url=https://en.atleticodemadrid.com/noticias/welcome-julian-alvarez |access-date=12 August 2024 |publisher=[[Atlético Madrid]]}}{{cite news |last=Ornstein |first=David |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5681745/2024/08/06/julian-alvarez-atletico-madrid-transfer/ |title=Atletico Madrid agree €95m deal with Manchester City for Julian Alvarez |publisher=The Athletic |date=6 August 2024 |access-date=12 August 2024}} On 19 August, he made his debut for the club, as a substitute, in a 2–2 draw against [[Villarreal CF|Villarreal]] in the league.{{Cite web |date=19 August 2024 |title=Villarreal hold Atletico Madrid to a draw in first game of season |url=https://www.espn.in/football/report/_/gameId/704669 |access-date=23 August 2024}} On 15 September, Alvarez scored his first goal for the club in the 90th minute of a 3–0 victory over [[Valencia FC|Valencia]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2026}} On 12 March 2025, Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid went to penalties after tying 2–2 on aggregate in the [[2024–25 UEFA Champions League#Round of 16|round of 16]] of the UEFA Champions League. Alvarez took Atlético's second penalty, but slipped as he took it yet appeared to successfully convert it, however through the [[video assistant referee]] it was determined that Alvarez had slightly touched the ball with his standing foot before striking it, causing the goal to be disallowed for double-touching the ball. Real Madrid would go on to win the penalty shoot-out 4–2 and advance to the next round. A day later, [[UEFA]] released a statement explaining that the decision to disallow Alvarez's penalty was the correct one, but that they would enter discussions with [[FIFA]] and [[International Football Association Board|IFAB]] to determine whether the rule should be reviewed in cases in which the double touch is clearly unintentional.{{Cite web |title=Atleti vs Real Madrid |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/2044778--atleti-vs-real-madrid/timeline/ |access-date=16 March 2025 |website= |publisher=[[UEFA]]}}{{Cite web |date=13 March 2025 |title=UEFA statement on VAR decision at Atlético de Madrid vs Real Madrid match |url=https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/0297-1d449595df1f-e4e8a42fabeb-1000--uefa-statement-on-var-decision-at-atletico-de-madrid-vs-re/ |access-date=16 March 2025 |website= |publisher=UEFA}}{{Cite news |date=13 March 2025 |title=UEFA to discuss with FIFA, IFAB rule that disallowed Alvarez penalty |url=https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/uefa-discuss-with-fifa-ifab-rule-that-caused-alvarez-penalty-be-disallowed-2025-03-13/ |access-date=16 March 2025 |work= |publisher=[[Reuters]]}} On 24 September 2025, he scored a winning hat-trick against Rayo Vallecano.{{Cite web |title=Après un début de saison décevant en Liga, l'Atlético de Madrid se lance contre le Rayo Vallecano grâce à un triplé de Julian Alvarez |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Apres-un-debut-de-saison-catastrophique-en-liga-l-atletico-de-madrid-se-relance-contre-le-rayo-vallecano-grace-a-un-triple-de-julian-alvarez/1596383 |access-date=25 September 2025 |website=L'Équipe |language=fr}}

==International career==

==International career==

== Style of play ==

== Style of play ==

Alvarez is a versatile forward who can play anywhere on the front line.{{Cite web |last=Odey |first=Emmanuel |date=27 June 2023 |title=Julian Alvarez has had a Surreal First Year at Manchester City |url=https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/2023/6/27/23774736/julian-alvarez-has-had-a-surreal-first-year-at-manchester-city |access-date=26 October 2023 |website=Bitter and Blue |language=en |archive-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026081003/https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/2023/6/27/23774736/julian-alvarez-has-had-a-surreal-first-year-at-manchester-city |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=1 April 2023 |title=Alvarez revels to underline status as world's best second-choice striker |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/julian-alvarez-man-city-premier-league-b2312353.html |access-date=26 October 2023 |website=The Independent |language=en |archive-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026081003/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/julian-alvarez-man-city-premier-league-b2312353.html |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=18 January 2022 |title=Player Analysis: Why is Man United target Julian Alvarez so highly rated? |url=https://thefootballfaithful.com/player-analysis-why-is-man-united-target-julian-alvarez-so-highly-rated/ |access-date=26 October 2023 |website=The Football Faithful {{!}} Football News {{!}} Premier League News {{!}} Football Opinions {{!}} Football Analysis {{!}} Football Betting Tips {{!}} Football Transfers {{!}} The Football Faithful |language=en-GB |archive-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026081005/https://thefootballfaithful.com/player-analysis-why-is-man-united-target-julian-alvarez-so-highly-rated/ |url-status=live }} He is direct, quick, and has graceful control with his right foot, often converting awkward chances. Alvarez is also a good link-up player, with the technique and vision to play quick passes and one-touch football.{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=Sam |title=Julian Alvarez: Manchester City's 'unique' player |language=en |work=The Athletic |date=3 May 2023 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4473650/2023/05/01/julian-alvarez-manchester-city/ |access-date=26 October 2023 |archive-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026081005/https://theathletic.com/4473650/2023/05/01/julian-alvarez-manchester-city/ |url-status=live}} Playing against rough South American tacklers, his dribbling and ability to maneuver in tight spaces are sublime. Alvarez is also a very hardworking player, running around off the ball and capable of leading a strong press.{{Cite news |last=Cox |first=Michael |title=Julian Alvarez is Argentina's No 9 but increasingly a Man City No 8 |work=The New York Times |date=18 May 2023 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4520275/2023/05/15/pep-guardiolas-latest-positional-reinvention-julian-alvarez-as-a-no-8/ |access-date=26 October 2023 |language=en |archive-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026081005/https://theathletic.com/4520275/2023/05/15/pep-guardiolas-latest-positional-reinvention-julian-alvarez-as-a-no-8/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=Sam |title=Of course Man City want Haaland to play... but Alvarez really is a dream fit |work=The New York Times |date=2 April 2023 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4370939/2023/04/02/julian-alvarez-manchester-city-haaland/ |access-date=26 October 2023 |language=en |archive-date=23 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223140932/https://theathletic.com/4370939/2023/04/02/julian-alvarez-manchester-city-haaland/ |url-status=live}} He is an accurate free-kick taker, scoring 8 free-kicks since his arrival in Europe.{{Cite news |last=Horncastle |first=James |date=2026-04-09 |title=Julian Alvarez’s Atletico free kick goal in Barcelona was a reminder that a dying art is not yet dead |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7181894/2026/04/09/julian-alvarez-atletico-madrid-free-kick/ |access-date=2026-04-09 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

Alvarez is a versatile forward who can play anywhere on the front line.{{Cite web |last=Odey |first=Emmanuel |date=27 June 2023 |title=Julian Alvarez has had a Surreal First Year at Manchester City |url=https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/2023/6/27/23774736/julian-alvarez-has-had-a-surreal-first-year-at-manchester-city |access-date=26 October 2023 |website=Bitter and Blue |language=en |archive-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026081003/https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/2023/6/27/23774736/julian-alvarez-has-had-a-surreal-first-year-at-manchester-city |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=1 April 2023 |title=Alvarez revels to underline status as world's best second-choice striker |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/julian-alvarez-man-city-premier-league-b2312353.html |access-date=26 October 2023 |website=The Independent |language=en |archive-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026081003/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/julian-alvarez-man-city-premier-league-b2312353.html |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=18 January 2022 |title=Player Analysis: Why is Man United target Julian Alvarez so highly rated? |url=https://thefootballfaithful.com/player-analysis-why-is-man-united-target-julian-alvarez-so-highly-rated/ |access-date=26 October 2023 |website=The Football Faithful {{!}} Football News {{!}} Premier League News {{!}} Football Opinions {{!}} Football Analysis {{!}} Football Betting Tips {{!}} Football Transfers {{!}} The Football Faithful |language=en-GB |archive-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026081005/https://thefootballfaithful.com/player-analysis-why-is-man-united-target-julian-alvarez-so-highly-rated/ |url-status=live }} He is direct, quick, and has graceful control with his right foot, often converting awkward chances. Alvarez is also a good link-up player, with the technique and vision to play quick passes and one-touch football.{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=Sam |title=Julian Alvarez: Manchester City's 'unique' player |language=en |work=The Athletic |date=3 May 2023 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4473650/2023/05/01/julian-alvarez-manchester-city/ |access-date=26 October 2023 |archive-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026081005/https://theathletic.com/4473650/2023/05/01/julian-alvarez-manchester-city/ |url-status=live}} Playing against rough South American tacklers, his dribbling and ability to maneuver in tight spaces are sublime. Alvarez is also a very hardworking player, running around off the ball and capable of leading a strong press.{{Cite news |last=Cox |first=Michael |title=Julian Alvarez is Argentina's No 9 but increasingly a Man City No 8 |work=The New York Times |date=18 May 2023 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4520275/2023/05/15/pep-guardiolas-latest-positional-reinvention-julian-alvarez-as-a-no-8/ |access-date=26 October 2023 |language=en |archive-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026081005/https://theathletic.com/4520275/2023/05/15/pep-guardiolas-latest-positional-reinvention-julian-alvarez-as-a-no-8/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=Sam |title=Of course Man City want Haaland to play... but Alvarez really is a dream fit |work=The New York Times |date=2 April 2023 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4370939/2023/04/02/julian-alvarez-manchester-city-haaland/ |access-date=26 October 2023 |language=en |archive-date=23 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223140932/https://theathletic.com/4370939/2023/04/02/julian-alvarez-manchester-city-haaland/ |url-status=live}} He is an accurate free-kick taker, scoring 8 free-kicks since his arrival in Europe.{{Cite news |last=Horncastle |first=James |date=9 April 2026 |title=Julian Alvarez’s Atletico free kick goal in Barcelona was a reminder that a dying art is not yet dead |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7181894/2026/04/09/julian-alvarez-atletico-madrid-free-kick/ |access-date=9 April 2026 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

Alvarez's first touch is incredibly composed and always intentional, with him capable of both killing a ball dead or nudging it away from a defender and into his own path.{{Cite web |last=Desmond |first=Rhys |date=1 February 2022 |title=Why Julian Alvarez is perfect for Manchester City |url=https://themastermindsite.com/2022/02/01/why-julian-alvarez-is-perfect-for-manchester-city/ |access-date=26 October 2023 |website=TheMastermindSite |language=en |archive-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026082507/https://themastermindsite.com/2022/02/01/why-julian-alvarez-is-perfect-for-manchester-city/ |url-status=live}} While not a particularly skillful dribbler, Alvarez is a powerful runner. His slightly hunched running style allows him to barrel through challenges and protect the ball effectively, and there is a tenacity and doggedness to his carrying that makes him difficult to stop. Alvarez is used to playing in a two-striker system in a team with an extremely settled style of play.

Alvarez's first touch is incredibly composed and always intentional, with him capable of both killing a ball dead or nudging it away from a defender and into his own path.{{Cite web |last=Desmond |first=Rhys |date=1 February 2022 |title=Why Julian Alvarez is perfect for Manchester City |url=https://themastermindsite.com/2022/02/01/why-julian-alvarez-is-perfect-for-manchester-city/ |access-date=26 October 2023 |website=TheMastermindSite |language=en |archive-date=26 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026082507/https://themastermindsite.com/2022/02/01/why-julian-alvarez-is-perfect-for-manchester-city/ |url-status=live}} While not a particularly skillful dribbler, Alvarez is a powerful runner. His slightly hunched running style allows him to barrel through challenges and protect the ball effectively, and there is a tenacity and doggedness to his carrying that makes him difficult to stop. Alvarez is used to playing in a two-striker system in a team with an extremely settled style of play.