Expert: Man City have ‘big problem’ afterJulian Alvarez development – ‘this won’t end well’
Julian Alvarez will demand more game time when he returns to Man City after enhancing his reputation at the World Cup.
That’s according to former Hibernian striker Tam McManus, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Alvarez’s role at City.
The 22-year-old became a World Cup winner in Qatar after helping Argentina beat France on penalties in an entertaining final.
Alvarez has struggled for starts under Pep Guardiola, with just three in 12 league appearances this season, and has failed to oust star striker Erling Haaland, who scored again as City beat Liverpool 3-2 on Thursday (22 December).
McManus claims Alvarez will not settle for a place on the bench after his exploits in Qatar.
“What a tournament he had, he was one of the best players out there,” McManus told Football Insider‘s Ben Wild.
“The big problem for him and Man City now is that he is going to go back to sitting on the bench while Haaland starts all the biggest games.
“He has one of the few strikers in the world right ahead of him in the pecking order and he is also in the form of life.
“Haaland is undroppable so Alvarez will be limited to appearances off the bench and maybe starting games against bottom-half teams.
“He won’t settle for that now after winning the World Cup, surely? So what happens then? Alvares won’t be happy if he isn’t playing every week.
“This won’t end well if two players end up arguing about who starts.”
Alvarez has made 20 appearances for City in all competitions this season.
He has scored seven goals.
In other news, a pundit expects Erling Haaland to stay at Man City for ‘seven years’ as ‘offer’ suggested.