Pep Guardiola praised Julian Alvarez’s debut performance and compared him to former Blues forward Gabriel Jesus.
Alvarez began as the centre striker in a front three as City defeated Club America 2-1 in Houston thanks to two Kevin de Bruyne goals. The 22-year-old played 71 minutes while fellow new signing Erling Haaland was rested as a precaution.
The Argentine was energetic throughout, pressing constantly through the midfield and luring defenders out of position with his scorching dashes. Guardiola’s game plan definitely included the latter, which allowed De Bruyne to find lots of space on the edge of the box.
He might not have scored the debut goal he would have dreamed of, but the attitude and work-rate of Alvarez was what really pleased Guardiola, and reminded him of a player City recently sold to Arsenal.
“Julian [Alvarez] was incredible, defensively he is quite similar like Gabriel [Jesus],” Guardiola said. “Gabriel is probably the best, but he [Alvarez] is close to him in aggression and how intuitive he is, he makes the runs and with the ball he’s absolutely brilliant. He can keep the ball and you can link with him without a problem.
“We have the feeling we signed a top-class young player for the next years to come, and we are delighted. The job that [manager] Marcelo Gallardo did at River Plate, we have the benefit, and hopefully he can grow up in an important league like Premier League.”
Guardiola revealed that Haaland will start City’s next friendly against Bayern Munich on Saturday evening in Green Bay, after being pulled out as a precaution due to ‘niggles’ in training.
That means Alvarez will most certainly start on the bench, but he showed more than enough in Houston to demonstrate that he will be a significant offensive option for City this season, rather than merely Haaland’s backup.
Sterling on why he left City
Raheem Sterling has explained why he left Manchester City this summer to join Chelsea.
Playing for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City is an incredible opportunity that almost guarantees you titles every season. Sterling understands what it’s like, yet despite his success, the English international sought a fresh start after seven years with the Citizens.
Speaking to Chelseafc.com after his first pre-season game for the Blues, Sterling explained why he decided to join Chelsea.
“Seeing in the last two years, I think it’s 4 or 5 finals that you guys have been in, the progress you’ve made, you’ve won the Champions League.
“And then, now looking to challenge for the Premier League. It’s something that intrigued me when I was having a conversation with the club and you know, to see the direction that you guys are going in.
“It’s something I really bought into the show is a place where I can really come into my own and I just think it’s the perfect platform for me.”