Erling Haaland’s arrival at Manchester City made all the headlines but Julian Alvarez reminded everyone that he isn’t joining City to be an understudy, by scoring six goals in one game for River Plate.
In the January transfer window, City announced that a deal worth £14.1 million was agreed for the Argentine, with the striker staying at River until the end of the season.
Alvarez, who signed a five and a half year deal with Pep Guardiola’s side is one of the most sought after players in South America, having been capped seven times by Argentina already.
On Wednesday night, Alvarez showed exactly what he is capable of, he scored six goals in the Copa Libertadores match against Alianza Lima. Becoming the first player in River Plate’s rich 121 year history to net a double hat-trick in a single game.
His first goal of the night came after 15 minutes, and he scored two more before half time to secure his first hat-trick of the night. Then goals in the 54th, 57th and 83rd minute completed a second half hat-trick as River sailed through with an 8-1 victory.
City have discovered the next big star to come out of Argentina, a ready made replacement maybe for their record goalscorer, Sergio Aguero.
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After the deal was sealed in January, City's director of football Txiki Begiristain said he has no doubts that being at the club will help the 22-year-old reach his full potential.
He said: "I really believe we can provide him with the right conditions to fulfil his potential and become a top player."
Manager Guardiola was full of praise for his new striker, who he sees playing up top in the middle for his side.
Guardiola said: "I see a player more in positions between the pockets and the striker. A guy with this sense of goal has to play close to the goal. For the age, for the price, for many reasons for the future it is a really good deal. He is a guy who has a sense of goal, the quality, the movement in behind – a street player."
He added: "He is so dynamic. I think when he is playing the goal is there in his mind with the way he finishes and makes the movements over five metres. He has the desire, the passion and the strength without the ball."
A scary prospect for the rest of the Premier League with City adding two prolific strikers to their already high scoring side.
Topics: Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, Erling Haaland
Marcus Chan