All eyes will be on Erling Haaland this summer when the Norwegian striker arrives at Manchester City, but Julian Alvarez showed on Wednesday night why itâd be foolish to ignore him.City signed the 22-year-old forward in January, agreeing a £14.1 million deal with Argentine outfit River Plate.Alvarez, who has been capped seven times by the Argentina national team, signed a five-and-a-half-year deal with the Premier League champions but stayed with River until the end of the season.Widely regarded as one of the most gifted young players in South America, Alvarez made history on Wednesday by becoming the first player in River Plateâs 121-year history to score six goals in a single game.
Alvarez netted a rare double hat-trick against Alianza Lima in the Copa Libertadores - South Americaâs equivalent of the Champions League.
The gifted forward scored his first goal of the night in the 15th minute and had completed his first hat-trick before half-time.
He then repeated the feat after the break, scoring three more goals in the 54th, 57th and 83rd minutes as River wrapped up an 8-1 victory.
Video: Julian Alvarez's six goals for River Plate
Watch Alvarezâs goals here:
The lad looks special, doesnât he?
City appear to have landed themselves another diamond and it seems that many Premier League fans donât even know it yet.
Imagine how good Pep Guardiolaâs side will be next season with Alvarez *and* Haaland in the squad. Itâs frightening.
He was seen taking not one but two match balls home later in the evening.
How highly do Man City rate Julian Alvarez?
Needless to say, City view Alvarez as a footballer with extremely high potential.
The clubâs director of football Txiki Begiristain said after Alvarezâs signing was confirmed earlier this year: "I really believe we can provide him with the right conditions to fulfil his potential and become a top player."
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - MAY 25: Julian Alvarez of River Plate leaves the pitch after scoring six goals in the victory of his team in the Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2022 match between River Plate and Alianza Lima at Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on May 25, 2022 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
Guardiola, meanwhile, sees Alvarez playing through the middle in his City team.
âUp front, in the middle,â the revered Catalan coach said, per Cityâs official website, when asked in February where Alvarez may fit into his team.
âI 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.
âFor 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.
âHe 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.
âHe has the desire, the passion and the strength without the ball.â