Pep Guardiola has been surprised with just how good Julian Alvarez is ahead of a first Premier League start for the Manchester City forward.
The Blues boss would not confirm whether it will be at home to Nottingham Forest when the Argentine starts ahead of Erling Haaland, but the manager has made it clear that it is a matter of 'when' rather than 'if'. With six games in 18 days coming up, City know they have to rotate and Guardiola has no doubts that the 22-year-old can step up and deliver.
Alvarez was signed from River Plate in January but remained at his former club for the first six months of the year and it was not a given that he would join up with the City squad this season. However, the club made the choice to keep him for the year and have since been impressed with how quickly the player has adapted to a new league and new surroundings.
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"When Erling doesn't play, we're going to play Julian. I'm almost sure. We are all impressed for his pace, for his sense of goal, for his work ethic.
"I knew him a little bit on TV and clips but I am surprised how good he is. He's so humble, always positive and every training session he gives everything. I like these type of players.
"The impact in the minutes he has played - he could have had a hat-trick at the Camp Nou and was involved in two goals in the last game - he has the sense of goals - we are delighted. I know people are talking about Erling and we are pleased but Julian is an exceptional player. "
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