Julian Alvarez Hands Pep Guardiola Major Selection Boost In Manchester City Position Admission

Manchester City started preparations for the 2022/23 season back in January, by making the statement signing of Julian Alvarez from River Plate.

Hailed as one of the most exciting young forwards in Europe, Pep Guardiola’s side managed to win the race to sign him for just £14 million.

While the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United were mulling over the 22-year old’s arrival, the Sky Blues’ proactiveness in the market proved worth its weight in gold.

Despite not kicking a ball in his new surroundings yet, Julian Alvarez has already amassed a significant following amongst the Manchester City fanbase.

With City fans keeping track of his impressive displays for River Plate in 2022, there is an expectation amongst many that the youngster could be nurtured into reaching the very top.

However, there remains a debate online about the best way to utilise Manchester City’s new number 19 next season.

While many believe the Argentine is an out-and-out striker, there are others that believe he could thrive playing across the frontline in the upcoming campaign.

Speaking at a recent fan event, Julian Alvarez personally explained his style of play to the media.

“I can play in different positions, in the centre or on the wings.

He continued, "I feel comfortable close to the box because it helps me scoring goals, but I’m versatile.

"I can adapt and create assists so I would highlight the versatility.”

With Gabriel Jesus’ transfer to Arsenal in the works for the past couple of months, it seems like his fellow South American counterpart has been brought in to replicate his predecessor’s level of versatility.

While the Brazilian forward served as an understudy to Sergio Agüero for a majority of his time at the Etihad Stadium, he also shone when deployed on either flank.

The same could be expected from the Argentine international, who could push Erling Haaland for minutes up front while also deputising out wide when instructed to.

After all, it has been previously reported that Manchester City have been willing to let Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling leave the club as they have full faith in Alvarez’s ability to thrive in multiple positions.

As Manchester City are set to start pre-season training on Monday, Pep Guardiola and his staff will finally get to work with the explosive talent in close quarters, to see how to get the best out of his wide range of skills next season.

The Sky Blues supporters will also have the opportunity to gauge what to expect from Julian Alvarez as Manchester City are set to face Club América and Bayern Munich during their pre-season tour of the United States this month.