A 3-1 defeat to Liverpool in the Community Shield is not exactly how Manchester City would have wanted to start their season, but for Julian Alvarez, things didn't pan out too badly.
Of course, City's new Argentinian striker would have wanted to win, but he did manage to score his first goal on English soil after coming off the bench in the second half.
Having featured in all three of City's pre-season games, excitement among City fans is building around a player it was thought would need a little longer to adapt to Pep Guardiola's side and the Premier League.
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While it is still very early days, the 22-year-old looks ready to make an instant impact in sky blue, whether that be through a central striking position, on the flank or wherever Guardiola decides to slot him in.
From what we have seen of Alvarez so far, it is hard not to draw comparisons with City's Argentinian legend Sergio Aguero. Like Kun, Alvarez clearly has an insatiable appetite for goals, while his stature and hustling style of play is similar to that of City's all-time leading goalscorer.
Aguero himself certainly rates his compatriot extremely highly. "Julian is mature, over time he will continue to learn things, he is learning more and more, and Manchester City bought him for a reason," he said of Alvarez. "He is a good kid, he's a phenomenon, shy and quiet."
Speaking to City for the latest issue of the club's official digital magazine, Alvarez opened up on what it means to be praised by his idol, and how he hopes to have a similar impact in Manchester. "Yes, it is a joy, a pride, that Kun says these things about me," he said.
"I shared good moments with him [Aguero]. I have good memories of him. He has helped me a lot. He is a good, very funny person, who has a nice relationship with everyone, especially with the younger ones. He has helped me a lot. Obviously, saying those things about me is an honour. It makes me want to kick on."
Alvarez should have no problems doing just that, with Aguero and a host of other Argentinian stars having forged a path for him to follow in European football.
"Obviously, I grew up watching Kun. Also watching so many Argentinian players: Kun, either in Europe or in the national team; Higuaín; Messi. So many Argentinian players. Obviously, I try to imitate them or to get good things out of them. I always try to look to learn, to continue growing personally.
"They are players who have shown their quality in European football and in the Argentinian national team."
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