Champions League: Guardiola and Haaland stop Julián Álvarez: “It’s strange that a world champion doesn’t play too much but…”

Julián Álvarez was one of the key pieces of Argentina that was crowned in Lusail as world champion. The third star was also sewn onto the chest of the ‘Albiceleste’ with the thread of the former River Plate player, who shared attack with Leo Messi and scored four goals and provided an assist.

“I’ve seen it on TV, but I’m amazed at how good it is. We are all impressed by his work ethic, his way of playing as a center forward… He always gives his all. When Haaland doesn’t play, Julián will. Sure, “Guardiola warned before the start of the season. And his success in Qatar has not changed the script.

I’ve seen it on TV, but I’m amazed at how good it is. When Haaland doesn’t play, Julián will. Sure

Pep Guardiola, Manchester City manager

The Argentine, who had started four of six games in the Champions League group stage, did not play for a minute in the draw (1-1) in Leipzig in the first leg of the round of 16. He warmed up in the band but Pep did not introduce a change. “I have the option of making up to five changes but that doesn’t mean I have to. I’m a very good coach to decide what I have to do”, said the coach cutting any controversy.

However, Álvarez has come to play a testimonial role in the last three games, in which he only played two minutes against Nottingham Forest, warming up the bench against RB Leipzig and Arsenal. Since the defeat (1-0) against Tottenham on February 5, in which he shared an attacking pair with Haaland, the ‘Spider’ has not started with the ‘cityzens’.

This campaign, Julián has played 29 games (1,360 minutes) with City in all tournaments scoring nine goals. Of all of them, only 10 have been the owner. Five sharing attack with Haaland and many others as the only reference. And in those ten duels he has scored nine of his 10 goals. He only ‘wet’ coming off the bench against Liverpool in his debut as a ‘celeste’ in the Community Shield in July (3-1).

Before Qatar, the Argentine played 889 minutes in 20 games in which he scored nine goals. He only stayed on the bench without playing in two games and started six. And after the World Cup, he has played 471 minutes in nine games, being called up and not playing on the pitch in four games, starting in four games and only scoring one goal. After the World Cup, he plays more minutes on average (52.3 ‘by 44.4’) but starts less times (four by six). And his numbers are suffering.

La sombra de Erling

The giant Haaland (32 goals in 32 games) has closed the doors of eleven… even at his worst. The Norwegian has barely scored a goal in his last six games played. In that period, Julián did not dress in two matches, was a substitute in three and only started in one. 169 minutes in six games (at 28 ‘per game) in which he has not hit the target. Another dilemma with a ‘9’ for Guardiola that explains Sam Lee, journalist from ‘The Athletic’ who covers Manchester City information.

It’s quite simple actually. Julián Álvarez is an excellent footballer, City hold him in high regard even before winning the World Cup, but Haaland surpasses him

Sam Lee, journalist for ‘The Athletic’ who covers City

“It’s quite simple really. Julián Álvarez is an excellent footballer, City hold him in high regard even before they win the World Cup, but Haaland beats him. Guardiola’s search for balance is quite complicated to explain briefly but, ultimately, Pep wants to get the right mix of players like Haaland, Foden, De Bruyne and Álvarez, who are the ones who make football more directand Grealish, Mahrez, Gundogan and Bernardo, those who play more of a touch game”, details the journalist.

It may seem strange that a world champion does not play much, but you have to look at it this way: Foden, a City youth player and an excellent player, does not make the team either. It’s about what the team needs

Sam Lee, journalist for ‘The Athletic’ who covers City

“Guardiola wants more control than direct football this season and that means that Haaland and De Bruyne normally play. When Álvarez has been a starter in the Premier is when KDB has not played. But, essentially, Haaland is the first option and De Bruyne is a key part and the one who accompanies him. It may seem strange that a world champion does not play much, but you have to look at it this way: Foden, a City youth player and an excellent player, does not make the team either. It’s about what the team needs, not the player’s reputation”, concludes Lee. Not even the star has allowed him to attack the ‘celestial’ eleven.