Julian Alvarez has been told that he would be starting a lot more for Manchester City if it wasn't for fellow striker and teammate Erling Haaland.
Alvarez inspired City to a 3-1 come-from-behind win against Sevilla on Wednesday night, scoring one goal and setting up two more to ensure the Blues finished the Champions League group stage undefeated. Alvarez's goal in particular was impressive - he timed his run perfectly to latch on to a Kevin de Bruyne through-ball, before showing the composure to round the goalkeeper and convert from a tight angle.
However, Alvarez, who City paid River Plate £14m for earlier this year, knows that as soon as Haaland is back fit and available for selection he will likely drop out of the starting line-up. Haaland has scored 17 goals in 11 league appearances this season, so there is no doubting who is City's first choice striker.
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While on punditry duty for BT Sport on Wednesday, former Manchester United and City midfielder Owen Hargreaves praised Alvarez's start to life at City, but claimed that Haaland could be holding him back a little.
"It's like when you go from your club, to your national team, to England, it's just a different level," the former England international explained. "I think, obviously, he's been fabulous in Argentina.
"He [Alvarez] is a steal for what they paid for him. He's worth at least double or treble that. And if it wasn’t for Haaland he’d be starting a lot more. They’ve got a special one there."
Former City defender Joleon Lescott echoed Hargreaves, insisting that even if Alvarez doesn't start too many games this season there should be no doubting his quality.
"I think if you take his performances and contributions in isolation he's done really well, but when you put them next to Haaland who's a similar age, obviously similar position, it doesn't match up.
"But for what he’s done coming from a new continent, language and culture and change I know having spoken to Sergio [Aguero] on his arrival, he likened Alvarez to Carlos Tevez, and that’s a big compliment.
"But you can see it in his game, elements of both, you can see his work rate for the team off the ball but he's a natural finisher. I also think he's able to compose himself in the box which is not something you can teach."
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