When it comes to their attacking options right now, Manchester City are in an extremely privileged situation.
Pep Guardiola has one of the best centre forwards in the world at his disposal in the form of Erling Haaland. The Norwegian has scored an astounding 42 goals for City, and because of his performances, Julian Alvarez has frequently been left off the roster.
Alvarez, though, demonstrated against Liverpool that he can fill the very large shoes of City’s great player while Haaland was absent. The 23-year-old possesses the intuition that has made him comparable to fellow countryman Sergio Aguero even though their playing styles are different.
The return of Haaland to practise this week makes it almost certain that the striker will start against Southampton. Alvarez shouldn’t necessarily lose out if he is included, though.
Guardiola has really already argued for Alvarez to start at Saint Mary’s. Julian in Bournemouth scored twice after the win at Crystal Palace last month, according to the Catalan manager, who spoke to Sky Sports. He aids Haaland in entering more gaps and producing when teams defend deeply against them. We require Julian in these competitions because he is so crucial.
“I told my coaches in the first half’s final 30 minutes that Julian would enter the game right away in the second half. He was in the middle where we needed him, so he was given the opportunity right away.”
While playing against Southampton or other teams that are likely to shut down their operations in order to neutralise the threat posed by Haaland, Alvarez’s involvement in the team is crucial. There are suddenly more opportunities for both players when the Argentine is on the pitch because defenders are drawn to his menace.
If City decides to stop using Alvarez, it might be a risky move that isolates Haaland at the front. The best approach to breaking up the Saints’ stiff defence is to use a two-pronged attacking squad.