Former Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta has revealed that Pep Guardiola was "fascinated and delighted" with Julian Alvarez's start to life at the club during a conversation the pair had earlier in the season.
Alvarez only made his City debut in July but he has already managed to score seven goals from his 20 appearances before the World Cup break. Lionel Scaloni has since called up the striker for his Argentina squad, with the Blues forward playing a vital role in their run to the semi-finals.
The 22-year-old has featured in all five of the South American side's matches in Qatar, scoring two goals along the way as he shows his talent on the world's biggest stage.
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City have a reputable list of Argentinians who have enjoyed success in Manchester, with the likes of Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez and Zabaleta to name a few. Alvarez will be hoping to add himself to the list of greats in years to come, as the club's former defender revealed just how highly Guardiola values his new signing.
Zabaleta told Argentinian outlet Via Pais (as per Sport Witness ): “He [Alvarez] knows how to wait for the moments, he gives his all and that for a footballer’s career is key.
“I was in pre-season with City in the United States, and I met Pep [Guardiola] after a training session. He told me he was fascinated and delighted with him. [Guardiola said] he was a spectacular guy, very receptive when it came to listening, to working. And he had been working for 10 days, or less, a week.”
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