Former Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta has praised Julian Alvarez for his "brilliant" World Cup campaign with Argentina, as they prepare for their World Cup final against France.
Alvarez has featured in all six of the South American side's matches in Qatar, scoring four goals along the way as he shows his talent on the world's biggest stage. The 22-year-old has been in remarkable form for his country, with Argentina reaching the final for the first time since 2014 - where they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Germany.
They will come up against European opposition once again on Sunday, with Lionel Scaloni's side looking to prevent reigning Champions France from making it back-to-back wins after their triumph in 2018. Lionel Messi has been a driving force for Argentina during the tournament, as the Paris Saint-Germain star leads by example in his bid to get his hands on one of the few trophies missing from his cabinet.
ALSO READ: Pep Guardiola is about to find out if his Erling Haaland prediction was right in Man City friendly
The former Barcelona man has admitted how he has been hugely impressed with Alvarez, highlighting the key contributions of the City star in their run to the final.
Messi said: "Nobody imagined Julian would have the participation and importance he has shown. The help he has given us has been absolutely spectacular."
"During the whole World Cup, but also on Tuesday [against Crotia], he was extraordinary," added Messi. "He ran everything. He fought for everything - creating chances, fighting. For us, he was the surprising discovery, and he deserves everything that has happened to him because he is a lovely guy."
Zabaleta has now also heaped praise on Alvarez, as he told BBC Sport that the striker's "work-rate is unbelievable", ahead of Argentina's final with France.
The former City man said: "He's playing alongside Lionel Messi up front and it seems, from the outside, that he's like: 'Messi - don't run. I'll do it for you.
"You need a big heart [to do that]. He started at the World Cup on the bench but then [got] one chance and he's been brilliant."
READ NEXT:
