On Friday, Julian Alvarez was officially announced as a Manchester City player.
The excitement was palpable amongst the City fanbase as they have keenly anticipated his arrival ever since the signing was first confirmed in January.
One of the major factors behind the buzz around the 22-year-old include the obvious parallels to club legend Sergio Agüero in terms of his style of play, build and trademark celebration.
Advert
Additionally, Alvarez is one of the most gifted young forwards in world football, as exemplified by other elite European clubs such as Real Madrid and Manchester United chasing his signature.
An aspect that certainly captures the imagination is that the Argentine is set to arrive on English shores as a relatively unknown commodity.
As a result, several Manchester City supporters have pondered over which position the River Plate hero is set to occupy next term.
Advert
While some suggest that the highly-rated forward is an out-and-out striker, the others emphasise that he can play across the frontline.
With the debate expected to rumble on, the man himself describes where he likes to operate on the pitch.
“I have played in different positions, but I would say I know how to find space in attack, and I am a good finisher, too.
"I feel comfortable playing either role.
Advert
"I can do it outside or inside, but being inside I have scored more goals, obviously because of the distance to goal,” he revealed, as quoted by Manchester City’s official website.
A recent claim suggested that the Premier League champions were prepared for Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling’s departures due to the arrival of Alvarez, which indicates that the club have had full faith in his versatility from the get-go.
Amongst the host of perks that come with signing for City, the club’s brand-new number 19 discussed how much he is looking forward to working alongside one of the world’s finest coaches in Pep Guardiola.
Advert
“I was able to talk to him in February, when the signing was confirmed. He welcomed me to the club. I am glad to be part of the City project.
"I think he is one of the best coaches in the world and he has been at incredibly successful clubs. I want to do a good job for him, to continue growing as a footballer and as a person.”
While time will tell how Julian Alvarez fares at the Etihad Stadium in his debut season, all the signs point to his willingness to learn the City way.
Alongside the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva, he will not be short of suppliers.
Topics: Manchester City, Julian Alvarez, Premier League, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours
Srinivas Sadhanand