City’s World Cup winner responds to recent criticism with match-winning cameo | OneFootball

Manchester City’s World Cup winner Julian Alvarez has responded to recent criticism with a match-winning cameo in City’s 3-2 win over RB Leipzig. Alvarez hasn’t been at his best in recent games against Liverpool and Chelsea.  But he returned to form and scored the winner against Marco Rose’s side.

After being well below his best in City’s draws against Chelsea and Liverpool Alvarez had come in for criticism for the first time in his City career. Paul Ince and Karl Robinson of Talksport had a heated debate about whether City’s World Cup winner could be considered a world-class player (see video below). While there is no doubt of his talent, Alvarez may not be a world-class player just yet.

In Manchester City’s recent Premier League draws Alvarez was well below his best. He did provide a goal for Erling Haaland in City’s 4-all draw with Chelsea. He also had chances to score in his subdued performance against Liverpool. Despite being below his best City’s World Cup winner still has had chances to impact matches.

The treble winners found themselves down 2-nil at the break against a determined RB Leipzig outfit. They desperately needed a spark after a poor first half. It was the introduction of Julian Alvarez and Jeremy Doku in the 54th minute that provided it.

Alvarez and Doku’s introduction gave Pep Guardiola’s side the lift they needed. The pair brought energy and their creativity helped City unlock a stubborn Leipzig defence. The Argentinian linked up with Phil Foden to set up Erling Haaland for City’s first. He then capped his cameo with the winner for his side in the 87th minute.

After a couple of quiet performances, Julian Alvarez responded against RB Leipzig. There’s no doubt of his quality and importance to Manchester City.