Pep Guardiola is confident Julian Alvarez will reach his potential with Manchester City after the striker scored for a third game in a row.
Alvarez netted the second goal in the 2-0 Carabao Cup third-round success against Chelsea and once again shone in the absence of Erling Haaland, who was an unused substitute as he rested an ankle injury.
The Argentine striker has relished playing the leading role with Haaland struggling with the ongoing issue and Guardiola was delighted with his pressing and his ability to always be on hand for half chances against Chelsea.
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The 22-year-old joined City after his season with River Plate ended on July 7 so had no real pre-season and has been playing almost non-stop since February.
He will be part of Argentina's squad for the World Cup rather than being able to rest, but Guardiola is happy with the backup he provides City.
"We saw from the beginning, didn’t have a pre-season, he didn’t have a rest. He will go to the World Cup, but I think it will be good to rest a little bit in those terms," he said.
"But seasons are too long, they are injured, there are problems, Erling cannot play all the minutes and you have to be a good backup.
"It is another type of player, but every day is there for half chances and the way he helps us in the first action defensively, but he is young, still have a lot to improve, but he’s open-minded and he will get it."
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