Julian Alvarez certainly never expected it because it didn’t take long to achieve all his dreams. It could be said that ‘La Arana’ or ‘the spider’ – as River Plate fans call him, was lucky because he managed to finish football at the age of 23.
Alvarez’s title record with the national team is even more complete than Cristiano Ronaldo. He also achieved it faster than his idol, Lionel Messi. It is difficult to imagine how this talented child, who failed to play for Real Madrid at a young age, could achieve success at a young age.
Alvarez’s success cannot be separated from the support of his parents. But talent and support alone are not enough. More than that, it requires people who already understand football.
Alvarez’s father, Gustavo, eventually entrusted Alvarez to the Futura Estrellita football school, founded by Hugo Rafael Varas, who had close ties to a larger football academy called Club Atlético Calchín. Through this closeness, his talent was finally spotted by Club Atlético Calchín scouts and he was immediately transferred at the age of seven to the academy.
At the age of 12, Alvarez had the opportunity to try out for one month to strengthen Real Madrid. In the first trial match, against Barcelona, he appeared stunning. Los Blancos tried to sign him, but failed due to the club’s transfer policy regarding children under the age of 13.
Alvarez and his family finally returned to Argentina and continued to strengthen Club Atletico Calchin until the age of 15. Then he chose to strengthen River Plate. The reason is because River Plate is his favorite team, and the color of the jersey reminds him of his academy team.
Alvarez then made his senior debut at River Plate in October 2018 and has built a reputation as one of Argentina’s best young strikers. He scored 36 goals and 25 assists in 96 River Plate appearances.
After 4 years and winning five titles for River Plate. The details are 1 Copa Libertadores, 1 Argentinian Cup, 1 Argentinian Supercopa, 1 Argentinian Champion, 1 Trofeo De Campeones. Alvarez finally left River Plate and moved to Europe to join Manchester City.
Developing Potential for Manchester City
It turned out that Alvarez’s arrival in Manchester had been planned, so he received a good welcome from Man’s football director. City, Txiki Begiristain. The Citizen regularly monitors Alvarez and states that Alvarez has the potential to become a top player.
“Julian is a player we have been following for some time, he is capable of carrying out a number of attacking roles, and we firmly believe he is one of the best young attacking players in South America. I’m very happy we managed to bring him to Manchester City. I am very confident we can give him the right conditions to fulfill his potential and become a top player.” Begiristain said via the club’s official release (31/01/22).
In his first year, Alvarez had difficulty getting a place in the main starting lineup. Of course, this is not easy because he has to compete with Erling Haaland for a position in the team.
Even though he is considered to have the ability to carry out several roles in the attack line, as Begiristain said, the challenge remains big because Manchester City has world-class midfielders and wingers such as Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and Phil Foden.
However, slowly but surely, Alvarez proved himself through fantastic performances. In his first season, he managed to share the role with Haaland. Creating a powerful depth that Man lacks. City in the previous season. In his first season, he recorded 49 appearances, 17 goals and 5 assists. Quite a neat record from a second choice striker.
In Season Two, Julian Has Achieved All His Dreams
After spending a year away from Argentina by moving to Europe, Alvarez is now feeling extraordinary happiness. At a young age, the world champion has succeeded in realizing all the dreams he has. Most recently, he played a role in helping his team, Man. City, won the Club World Cup title by beating Fluminense (23/12).
Previously, he helped Man. City won a treble including the Champions League title, which has been the club’s biggest ambition since being acquired by Sheikh Mansour in 2008. After the 2021/22 season, The Citizens failed because they lost in the semifinals to Real Madrid with a dramatic comeback at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Going back to when he was still at Club Atletico Calchin, in an unofficial interview, Alvarez was asked three questions. The three questions are who is his idol? what is his favorite team? and what is his dream as a football player? Then he answered everything spontaneously.
Young Alvarez said that his idol is Lionel Messi, while his favorite team is River Plate. Then, when asked what his biggest dream was as a footballer? he said he played in the highest competition for his country Argentina in the World Cup.
After going through various years, Alvarez has now succeeded in realizing all the dreams he ever had. He not only actively participated in the game and contributed a number of titles to his favorite team, River Plate. But also managed to play and win the World Cup with his idol, Messi.
At the World Cup, Alvarez became Argentina’s mainstay. As a debutant in the World Cup, Alvarez’s performance to help Argentina become world champion was quite good. He played in seven matches, five as a starter and two as a substitute, with a record of four goals and one assist.
After all the success, this man is still humble. When asked where he would continue his career after Man. City, Alvarez only said that currently he is happy with the city of Manchester and the club that has given him all his dreams.
“Actually I am very happy at Manchester City. I’ve been at the club for over a year. I feel very happy with everything we have achieved.” said Alvarez via Sportkeeda.
Even though he has achieved everything, from club to international level with Argentina, the spider still has a winning mentality. He still wants to compete and try to win. “Now our goal is to compete and try to win it all again.” he closed.
ASL
