When an attacking player signs for Manchester City, there is immediate pressure to deliver. It took all-time top goalscorer Sergio Aguero just nine minutes to score his first goal for the club after joining from Atletico Madrid, with the Argentine going to add 259 more to his tally before moving to Barcelona.
Since the Argentine left the Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola 's side have continued to enjoy success, even without directly replacing the striker until this summer. The decision not to sign a forward last summer is one that came under scrutiny every time City lost a game in the past 12 months, with Guardiola's men often criticised for not recruiting a frontman to replace the legendary Aguero.
So, when it was announced that Erling Haaland would be joining City from Borussia Dortmund this summer, there was understandable excitement, and discontent from rival sides. The Norwegian striker, who scored 86 goals in 89 games for the Bundesliga club, signed a five-year deal until 2027 at the Etihad.
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Aguero's departure led to a summer-long and ultimately unsuccessful pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur and England forward Harry Kane. The Spurs man was deemed the final piece in the jigsaw, and City were desperate to complete a deal for the striker.
The move, evidently, did not work out. But now, more than a year later, if you were to ask a City fan who they would prefer leading the line, a lot of them would tell you that they would pick Haaland, despite Kane's ridiculous record in the top-flight.
Haaland, who became the youngest player to reach 20 Champions League goals last season, was always going to be a success at the Etihad. Yes, it has been less than one month since the new season got under way, but with the 22-year-old grabbing nine goals and one assist in his first five Premier League matches — including successive hat-tricks — he has already demonstrated why he was so sought-after.
While much of the focus has, understandably, been placed on the impact of the Norwegian international, the impressive start Julian Alvarez has made to his City career also can't be underestimated.
The Argentine arrived at the Etihad from River Plate for 17m euros (£14.1m) earlier this summer, agreeing to a five-and-a-half-year deal with City.
Having scored 36 goals in 96 appearances for River - also winning nine international caps - he joined with a solid pedigree, having been part of the Argentina squad that won the Copa America in July 2021.
Since the season began, Alvarez has registered three goals in five appearances, the first of which came against Liverpool in the Community Shield in July. The more impressive stat, though, is that the youngster is averaging a goal every 60 minutes — having started just one game so far this campaign.
While the 22-year-old has already proved that he has the ability and confidence to lead the line for City whenever required, he is unlikely to start ahead of Haaland in any of City's 'big games', which will lead to him fighting for his strike partner's scraps when the pair are on the pitch together.
Alvarez most likely understands and appreciates his current position in the attacking pecking order, but there is a slight chance he could become frustrated if his opportunities remain limited over the whole season.
However, with the spotlight shining brightly on Haaland, it could actually prove to be a good thing for Alvarez. It should allow him to settle into his new environment without the weight of the City fanbase resting on his shoulders.
There is widespread expectation that Haaland will score 20 or more top-flight goals this season. In fact, it feels like a certainty that he will surpass 25, maybe even 30. If City are to retain the Premier League title, and end their hunt for Champions League glory, the Norwegian frontman is going to be pivotal.
With the pressure therefore on Haaland, rather than Alvarez, the young Argentine has somewhat of a free-hit this season. It's not to say that the forward won't contribute to the club's success, it just means he can take his time to do so.
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