‘This guy is special’ – Pep Guardiola delighted with Julian Alvarez display

Pep Guardiola admits he is thrilled by the progress of Julian Alvarez.

The Argentina striker scored twice on his full Premier League debut as City routed Nottingham Forest 6-0 at the Etihad.

The goals capped a fine display from Alvarez who in any other game would have surely won man of the match honours – but for another Erling Haaland hat-trick!

Asked how happy he is with Alvarez, Pep said: “A lot. I had the feeling that there is not one person in the locker room who is not happy for the two goals (he scored). Erling is highlighted, Erling deserves everything.

“But from day one we have seen Julian in the locker room and training. We have an incredible opinion (of him).

“Our scout in South America – Joan Patsy – told me for a year and a half ago – this guy is special. He has scored a lot of goals in a team like River Plate that have an incredible pressure to win.

“He was educated by Gallardo and now we are enjoying him.

“Erling is our first No.9, but in games where teams defend deep, to have the two guys there with an incredible smell to score goals is so important. Julian deserves everything. The work ethic always pays off.

“Julian came from Argentina, but in the first game against Club America, I said this guy will be good for us.

“We have seen in training how he is doing. In the first half (today) he struggled; the second half was better, and you saw the goals.

“He is so precise. Both he and Erling are incredible strikers. When the ball is around the area, they are incredible finishers.”