Manchester City are in a thoroughly luxurious position at the minute when it comes down to their attacking options.
In Erling Haaland, Pep Guardiola has one of the world's best centre-forwards in the form of his career. The Norwegian has notched an astonishing 42 goals already for City and his performances have often kept Julian Alvarez out of the team.
However, in Haaland's absence against Liverpool, Alvarez showed that he can fill the quite considerable boots of City's star man. While their styles of player are dissimilar, the 23-year-old offers the intuition which has earned him comparisons to fellow countryman Sergio Aguero.
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With Haaland returning to training this week, it seems almost inevitable that the striker will return to the starting XI against Southampton. But, his inclusion should not automatically mean that Alvarez misses out.
In fact, Guardiola has already made the case for Alvarez to start at St Mary's. Following the victory at Crystal Palace last month, the Catalan boss told Sky Sports: "Julian in Bournemouth scored twice. Teams defend deep against Haaland, he helps Haaland to come [into] more spaces and create. Julian is so important and we need him in these games.
"In the first half after 30 minutes I said to my coaches Julian is coming on immediately in the second half. We needed him in the middle and he had a chance immediately."
Alvarez's inclusion in the team while Haaland is on the field is pivotal against teams like Southampton who are likely to shut up shop in order to nullify the Norwegian's threat. With the Argentine on the pitch, defenders are drawn towards his threat and suddenly there are more opportunities for both men.
Should City opt to drop Alvarez it could be a risky strategy which leaves Haaland isolated up front. A two-pronged striking unit is the ideal way to counteract the Saints' defensive rigidity.
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