Julian Alvarez backed for new Man City role after ‘huge’ development – expert
Noel Whelan has backed Julian Alvarez to play “across the front three” for Man City as they look to capitalise on his glittering World Cup form.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 22-year-old will have to “adapt” if he wants to be a regular starter in Pep Guardiola’s side.
Alvarez has lit up the World Cup in Qatar, grabbing four goals and one assist in four starts to help his Argentina side to the final of the competition.
Since joining Man City for a reported £14.1 million, he has started just eight of a possible 22 games – netting seven goals.
He has mostly lined up alongside fellow summer signing Erling Haaland in a two-man strikeforce.
Man City return to Premier League action against Leeds United on 28 December with a five-point deficit to make up on table-toppers Arsenal.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “It’s a difficult one because Pep Guardiola plays a very different style to Argentina.
“Whatever he’s doing with Haaland at the moment, it’s working.
“It could be that he has to adapt to a different role if he wants to start games.
“But the huge part for Man City is that he’s starting games for his country, scoring goals – and he could come back after Christmas as a World Cup winner.
“We’ve seen how he’s a real goalscorer already, and he’ll be coming back sharp – physically and mentally.
“I think he can play anywhere across that front three. I don’t think he’s just a number nine.”
In other news, pundit claims Pep Guardiola may quit Man City as two “massive” offers reported.