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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
David McDonnell

Julian Alvarez explains what surprised him about Erling Haaland amid three-game 'drought'

Julian Alvarez has described Manchester City team-mate Erling Haaland as a 'mentality monster' who always wants more.

Haaland has plundered 27 goals in 25 games since joining City last summer, but has failed to score in his last three appearances for Pep Guardiola's side.

But Alvarez, who has returned to City after winning the World Cup with Argentina, said Haaland's mentality means he will soon be back among the goals again.

“I always say that beyond being a great player, he’s a great person, who always tries to help me," said Alvarez.

"As a player, he’s been showing how good he is for a while now with all of the goals he’s scored, not just here at Manchester City but also his former clubs.

"What surprised me about him was his mentality - he wants more and more every day and also, for his height, he’s so strong, quick, intelligent and decisive in front of goal.

"He’s decisive for the team so I try to learn from him every day and to see what I can take from him, playing with the best always helps you.

"I’m yet to play alongside him so I’m trying to prepare myself so that I can play as a lone striker or with him, whatever it may be, and just give my all.”

Alvarez says Haaland will be back in the goals soon enough (Getty Images)

City face Tottenham - who did the double over them last season - on Thursday and Alvarez said: “Every game in the Premier League is a challenge.

"There are great teams with top players, but Tottenham have been playing great football for many years now, and that’s been the case this season as well, so it’ll be a key game.

"But we’ll focus on ourselves, we want to get more points, so it’ll be a great game which we’ll try to win, as always.”

Alvarez is back at City as a World Cup winner (PA)

Reflecting on Argentina's World Cup success, Alvarez said: "We felt the support and love from a lot of people, obviously in Argentina and Qatar as well, but in every part of the world we felt this.

"Even though as a group we were already in good shape, these things really help and push you forward. I think that was key, and every small thing contributes, and that’s how it was.”

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