‘Never seen him have a bad game’ – Hargreaves heaps praise on ‘exceptional’ Man City star

Julian Alvarez scored his second goal in as many games – including his third Champions League goal of the season – as Manchester City beat RB Leipzig 3-1 in Germany.

The Argentine, who scored a brace in Man City’s opening game against Crvena zvezda, netted his sixth goal of the season with a super strike in Germany.

Alvarez has enjoyed a vastly improved amount of game time this season, partnered with prolific goalscorer Erling Haaland in attack, and is reaping the rewards.

Following City’s victory over Leipzig, TNT Sports duo Owen Hargreaves and Joleon Lescot were full of praise for the “exceptional” 23-year-old forward.

“I’ve been amazed by the quality of Julian Alvarez. I know he’s a fabulous player but lately his set-pieces have been absolutely exceptional,” Hargreaves said.

“The goal he scores is almost like a free-kick. The goal from Alvarez was pure class from a fabulous player.”

“He’s a really special player. The one (free-kick) he scored at the weekend was one of the best I’ve seen this season. But that is pure class.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen him have a bad game,” he added.

“He’s probably a natural centre forward but because of Haaland, you can play him up with him there, you can play him as the number 10. Obviously, with [Kevin] De Bruyne out injured.

“I think the thing that has stood out for me most is his set pieces. The quality on his corners and his crosses, and obviously his free-kick at the weekend.

“It is quite exceptional really.”

Alvarez has had to be patient and bide his time before breaking into Pep Guardiola’s first team and has started all seven of City’s Premier League games this season.

He had to make do with a start on the bench against Leipzig – perhaps Guardiola had one eye on a monumental clash with Arsenal at the weekend – but that didn’t stop him from making an impact in the 11 minutes he played.

Lescott understands how important it is to have characters like Alvarez in a big, successful squad.

“When he scored the goal, everyone went over to celebrate,” he said. “They are relatively young, there’s Haaland, Phil Foden and [Jeremy] Doku as well, so they are a pretty young squad, especially in attack.

“He’s waited patiently, he’s played a number of roles and this season we’re seeing him more efficient as a 10 as well.

“It’s probably a new role to him, and he’s playing it exceptionally well. He doesn’t seem like someone who will complain, wherever he’s playing, as long as he gets minutes on the pitch.”