Expert can’t believe Haaland latest – ‘maybe he’s just not suited to Man City”
Frank McAvennie has insisted Julian Alvarez will “never ever” be ahead of Erling Haaland in the Man City pecking order despite his World Cup triumph.
The former Celtic and West Ham striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted it would be “nice” to see Haaland play alongside the 22-year-old when he returns to England.
Alvarez grabbed four goals and one assist in seven games at the World Cup to help Argentina lift the trophy after a pulsating penalty shoot-out win over France on Sunday (18 December).
As quoted by club media (21 December), City boss Pep Guardiola confirmed the striker will have between a “week and 10 days” of rest before his return to Manchester.
Alvarez has started just eight of a possible 22 games since joining Man City for a reported fee of almost £15million – netting seven goals.
Haaland marked his return to action with a goal as Guardiola’s side beat Liverpool 3-2 in the League Cup on Thursday (22 December).
McAvennie told Football Insider’s Charlotte Cohen: “Haaland can come off the bench, score three, and then come off again – that’s the kind of player he is.
“Alvarez might get a turn to start with as Haaland builds up his fitness again, but it doesn’t matter how many World Cups he wins – he’ll never ever be in front of Haaland.
“Unbelievable as it may sound, maybe he’s not suited to the way Man City play. The player we saw at the World Cup is a completely different player to the one we’ve seen at Man City.
“Pep has got his own way, and the manager of Argentina has got another way. It would be nice to see them play together, and I think Haaland could definitely work with him.
“Alvarez will be as sharp as anything when he comes back.”
In other news, Football Insider updates with Man City star Kalvin Phillips set for extended absence.