Julian Alvarez has seen his importance at Manchester City rocket this season. After being unable to force his way into Pep Guardiola's team for the biggest games last year, Julian Alvarez has taken the opportunity that opened up with Kevin De Bruyne's injury and made himself - in the words of the manager - "almost undroppable".
His match-winning turn from the bench at RB Leipzig has surely cemented his place in the XI when the Blues head to Arsenal for their most important match of the Premier League campaign so far.
As Phil Foden said in midweek, the team now trust and rely on Alvarez to deliver in big moments. Through goals and assists, the 23-year-old has actually been involved in more game-changing moments than Erling Haaland this season. ALSO READ: Everything Pep Guardiola said in Man City press conference ahead of Arsenal ALSO READ: Pep Guardiola explains how Man City will approach Arsenal challenge At the same time though, what pleased Guardiola so much against RB Leipzig in what was probably the closest City performance to their heights of last season was the control.
They dominated possession from the opening minutes and the coach is adamant that "nice, nice things will happen" when you do that.