The world champion striker etched his name in Manchester City’s annals, guiding the team through a tough setback against Red Star. His emergence as a key piece in Guardiola’s system has reshaped how the squad approaches European nights and domestic challenges alike.
Julián Álvarez enters the 2023-2024 season with momentum. The Argentine star, a beacon of national pride after lifting the World Cup, forms a dynamic partnership with Erling Haaland and shines with assists across the Premier League. By now an integral element in Guardiola’s evolving plan, Araña helped flip the script in City’s Champions League opener against Red Star. Across eleven appearances in this competition, he has contributed five goals and two assists, underscoring his versatility and consistent impact on big occasions. This season has seen him mature into a player who trades flash for sustained influence, stitching together a collective effort that elevates the whole team. (Goal)
View all of Julián Álvarez’s stats at City.
Julián Álvarez’s first goal against Estrella Roja
In the 46th minute, Araña charged into the box, meeting a perfectly timed pass from Haaland to level the score and spark City’s resurgence. The moment demonstrated his instinct for finding space and converting pressure into tangible results when the team needed it most.
Julián’s free kick goal for the Champions League
Coming off the bench at the 59th minute after a compact buildup, he took advantage of a set-piece lapse and a bit of goalkeeper misfortune to register another memorable strike for the campaign. The kick showcased his precision, bravery, and willingness to seize opportunities in tightly contested matches, reinforcing why he remains a focal point for City’s attacking plans. (Goal)
City’s approach this season has blended rapid, incisive pressing with a willingness to rotate through positions, allowing Álvarez to exploit pockets of space behind the defensive line. His close control, intelligence off the ball, and ability to link with teammates in crowded zones have become a trademark of Guardiola’s tactical language. The Argentine’s contribution extends beyond goals and assists; his work rate and off-ball movements create seams for teammates and open passing lanes during high-press sequences. Fans and analysts alike have noted how his off-ball runs pull defenders, creating room for Haaland to operate in more dangerous positions. The duo’s chemistry, built through countless sessions and high-stakes matches, has redefined City’s attacking identity this season. (Goal)
Off the field, Álvarez’s leadership surfaces in how he communicates with teammates and accelerates the tempo when the team seeks to break down compact defenses. His adaptability—whether playing as a lone striker, part of a two-man attack, or drifting into midfield zones to collect the ball—gives City tactical flexibility and constant threat across the frontline. The combination with Haaland’s target presence and Álvarez’s deft ball skills has become a template that other clubs monitor closely as they prepare for encounters against Guardiola’s side. (Goal)