Sergio Aguero believes that Julian Alvarez, who joined Manchester City from Argentina, will be able to compete at the “best level.”
Alvarez joined City this summer after leaving the Blues. He was signed from River Plate in January for £14.1 million, but he was immediately loaned back to the Argentine club.
The 22-year-old impressed in City’s two pre-season games and in the Community Shield defeat to Liverpool, where he scored his first goal for the club, but he remains an unknown quantity for many City fans.
Aguero, City’s club legend and all-time leading goal-scorer, is one person who knows just how good Alvarez is.
Speaking to Stake.com, the Argentinian explained exactly why his young compatriot will be a success in sky blue, and why fans should all be rather excited.
“Julian has all the conditions to succeed at City,” Aguero said. “He has already shown it in the two games he played in which he even scored a goal and against Liverpool no less. He is a quiet boy who seems shy but when it comes to training and going out to compete, he is one of the best.
“He works very hard, he gives everything and doesn’t stop running. He is a locomotive and very eager to grow. The advice is to be himself. Let him listen and try to absorb all the teachings. With that and his ability, he will be able to compete at the best level.”
Speaking to City for the latest edition of the club’s official digital magazine, Alvarez expressed his delight at receiving so much praise from one of his idols.
“Yes, it is a joy, a pride, that Kun says these things about me,” Alvarez said.
“I shared good moments with him [Aguero]. I have good memories of him. He has helped me a lot. He is a good, very funny person, who has a nice relationship with everyone, especially with the younger ones. He has helped me a lot. Obviously, saying those things about me is an honour. It makes me want to kick on.”
Foden full of praises for Rodri
Speaking to the Manchester City press, Foden compared Rodri’s play style to a combination of Xavi and Iniesta due to all-round abilities in the middle of the park.
“Rodri is a mix of Xavi and Iniesta: he dribbles like Iniesta and passes like Xavi,” said Foden, who is looking forward to working with the Spanish international in the upcoming 2022/23 campaign.
Rodri, on the other hand, may face additional competition in the Manchester City lineup this summer, with the addition of Kalvin Phillips.
The English international is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the country, with many referring to him as the “Yorkshire Pirlo.” His qualities in the middle of the park could pose a challenge to Rodri, though Pep Guardiola would prefer to start both players.