One of the big surprises of the summer transfer window was Julián Alvarez’s departure from Manchester City to Atletico Madrid. Alvarez moved due to lack of match time and not finding himself in City’s future plans. Whatever the reason, Alvarez’s decision surprised many at the time. Many could not match the equation of leaving the success at City with two hands and going to Atlético, who rarely saw the face of success.
Some even commented that this decision was foolish. But Alvarez saw exactly what others could not. After almost six months, that picture is now clear to the rest.
The world champion that was being shocked to get an eleventh place in the city was to get the flying start in Atletico. The Argentine young man has played a great role in the team’s performance and personal craft. The Champions League scored in three matches (3 goals). Last Tuesday night, two goals came from Leverkusen to win two goals. He was then selected as the best player in the Champions League week.
Alvarez played a total of 54 matches for City last season. He played 31 matches in the Premier League. However, it is doubtful whether Alvarez would have been in the starting eleven for so many matches if not for injuries to one of the team’s best midfielders, Kevin de Bruyne and striker Arling Holland. However, it is not that he has been able to make a very big difference. On the contrary, after losing points in several consecutive matches with him in the team, the question arose whether Guardiola is playing Alvarez in the wrong strategy.
At that time, De Bruyin was given the responsibility of De Bruyne on his shoulder. But the Argentine could not make much difference in the big match. Even in the Champions League City, the City played in just two matches in 5 matches. As a result, Alvarez decided to leave the city at the end of the season and eventually left.
Losing a creative and match-changing footballer like Alvarez has hurt City immensely. Apart from playing the role of playmaker, this center forward is also very effective in scoring. If he was in the team, he had the ability to pull the city that was in smoke. Even so far, City has not been able to bring any substitute for him. As a result, City suffered a lot due to Holland’s injury or lack of rhythm in the matches. In addition, Guardiola could not bring any special variety in the attack due to the lack of alternative strikers.
On the other hand, Atletico has changed after Alvarez was brought into the team. This young Turk has been performing regularly for the team. Alvarez has scored 16 goals in 31 matches so far this season. And assisted 2. However, Alvarez shines more in the Champions League than in the league. Alvarez also scored a brace in Atletico’s 2–1 win over Leverkusen last Tuesday night. The situation from which Atlético was brought back into the match is worth remembering for a long time. He played well and won the team of ten who was behind by one goal.
Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso praised Alvarez, “I think Alvarez is very valuable.” He is one of the best in the world. He is a key player at Atletico. His decision to switch parties is also quite commendable. He brought Atletico back into the match from almost nothing. Very few can do this.’
However, Alvarez’s performance is not just about one match. His play has also had an impact on Atletico’s overall performance. The team is currently second in La Liga.
The point is only 2 with Real Madrid at the top. And in the Champions League, there are 3 wins in 5 matches and 2 points at the rate of 2 at number 5. Now the rest of the season is waiting to see if the Alvarez can take the title by holding his performance at the rest of the season.