Pep Guardiola has mentioned Julian Alvarez as already among the best players globally after scoring twice in Manchester City’s 3-1 victory over Burnley.
Álvarez, who celebrated his 24th birthday on Wednesday, increased his season goal tally to 15 with a first-half double at the Etihad Stadium.
Despite his relatively short career, the forward has already secured the Premier League title, Champions League, and World Cup. Guardiola believes that Álvarez has firmly established himself as one of the world’s top players.
“For his age, for the numbers in the Premier League, and for what he gives to the team, he is unbelievable,” Guardiola said.
“He’s a world champion, playing alongside [Leo] Messi, [Ángel] Di María and Enzo Fernández. If you are not good you cannot play in that team. He can play in three different positions and he has an incredible sense of urgency to run. He’s really good.”
Álvarez’s performance was one of several positive aspects for Guardiola, who gave Kevin De Bruyne his first start since the season’s opening day.
With the victory secured in the second half, the City manager also brought on Erling Haaland for his first appearance in two months after recovering from a foot injury.
“If it was 7-0 at halftime, he would have played more minutes,” said Guardiola.
“If it was 0-0 maybe he wouldn’t have played a minute. I saw him sharp, the feeling that he was there.
“He didn’t have clear chances but he had three or four when the control from Jérémy [Doku] didn’t see him but he can score with his quality.
“It has been really good without him for the last two months but with him we are a better team and we are really pleased that he is back.”