How Julian Alvarez can complete historic quadruple in 2022/23
Another forward might be taking the limelight at Manchester City right now, but Julian Alvarez is forging a legendary path of his own in 2022/23.
Erling Haaland’s bazillion goals since signing from Borussia Dortmund have meant young Argentine Alvarez has often had to watch the chaos unfold from the sidelines at club level. However, in an era where new records are constantly being set and successful years are analysed and dissected, the former River Plate striker is closing in on a historic achievement of his own towards the end of the season.
City’s chase of a treble in England and Europe is still on, meaning Alvarez can win the lot in one campaign after starring for Argentina during their 2022 World Cup success in Qatar.
Argentina’s World Cup bid started pretty inauspiciously with a shock defeat to Saudi Arabia in their first group game. Alvarez came on as a substitute in that game as well as the 2-0 win over Mexico but started every match afterwards.
He struck against Poland before netting what turned out to be the winner against Australia in the last 16. Alvarez was then subbed off against the Netherlands with his side 2-0 up, only to see the Dutch draw level before La Albiceleste won a fiery penalty shootout.
Alvarez ensured there was no such drama in the semi final against Croatia, scoring twice in a star turn as Argentina reached the final with a 3-0 win.
Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe stole the show in the final against France with five goals between them before Argentina won 7-5 on penalties. Alvarez was substituted shortly before the end of the first period of extra time for Inter’s Lautaro Martinez.
Alvarez is currently City’s joint third top scorer in the Premier League this season, netting eight times. That’s the same amount as Ilkay Gundogan, one more than Kevin De Bruyne, two fewer than Phil Foden and 28 less than Haaland.
The big Norwegian has naturally started most of City’s league games, setting record after record including the most goals by one player in a single Premier League season.
Alvarez has had to play a support role, starting only 11 games in England’s top flight this term. His first start saw the 23-year-old net a brace in a 6-0 thumping of Nottingham Forest.
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Alvarez has been thrust into the action in Europe a little more frequently relatively speaking this season, starting four of his ten total appearances in the Champions League.
After cameo roles against Sevilla and Borussia Dortmund, Alvarez started both matches of the double header with Copenhagen as well as the return games against the Spaniards and Germans. He ended the group stage with two goals and two assists as City finished five points clear at the top of Group G.
However, Pep Guardiola’s favoured starting XI hasn’t had room for Alvarez in the knockout stages. He has made four substitute appearances totalling 56 minutes as City breezed past RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid to reach the final.
He netted just two minutes after his introduction in the second leg of the semi finals against Real, putting the finishing touches on a 4-0 win on the night and a 5-1 success on aggregate.
City will face Inter in the final in Turkey, with Alvarez and Inter forward Martinez looking to join an elite club of World Cup and Champions League winners in the same season.
Alvarez has, however, been a regular in City’s FA Cup team so far this campaign, starting four of their five games. He netted a penalty in the third round thrashing of Chelsea and was then a substitute for the slender 1-0 victory over Arsenal.
He was back in the starting XI for the trip to Bristol City, assisting Phil Foden’s second goal in a 3-0 win at Ashton Gate. Alvarez then gave Vincent Kompany a homecoming to remember with two goals and an assist in a 6-0 win over Burnley to book a spot in the semi finals.
Riyad Mahrez stole the show against Sheffield United, netting a hat-trick from the wing as City overpowered their Championship opposition. A clash with Manchester United awaits at Wembley and Alvarez will hope to keep his starting role.