Redaction Simon Brett with Tom Procter
Published on 2024-02-26 19:05:00
Gael Clichy has expressed concerns about how the return of Erling Haaland to Manchester City has affected Julian Alvarez negatively. Despite a strong season overall, Alvarez has faced criticism on social media for his performance as an attacking midfielder recently.
Since Haaland recovered from an injury and returned to the starting lineup, Alvarez has been pushed back in the team. Previously, when Haaland was out, Alvarez excelled as the lead striker with support from Phil Foden. However, Clichy believes that the World Cup winner is struggling due to Haaland’s comeback.
Alvarez has been a standout performer for City this season and has started every Premier League game, showcasing Pep Guardiola’s trust in him. However, Clichy notes that Haaland’s presence as the central striker has impacted Alvarez’s positioning and involvement in games.
The former City full-back pointed out that with both Alvarez and Haaland on the pitch, the team’s performance is not as optimal as it could be. Alvarez’s role has shifted deeper, affecting his ability to influence games as before. This change in dynamics could potentially hinder City’s performance in the long run.
It is evident that Alvarez’s best performances have come when he plays through the middle with Foden behind him, resembling the effective partnership of Silva and Aguero. However, with Haaland’s return, Alvarez has been playing in a different role, affecting his connection with Foden and his impact in the final third.
As Haaland continues to score goals for City, Alvarez’s output has declined, raising questions about the balance in the team. Clichy’s observations shed light on a potential issue that Guardiola may need to address to ensure City’s success moving forward.
Read Original article on Manchester City News
