Julian Alvarez comments can quell Man City tactical concerns

The days of having two centre-forwards in a starting XI seem to be relegated to the past, but that does not mean two strikers cannot be on the pitch at the same time.

Manchester City fans could perhaps count on one finger the number of times Pep Guardiola has played a formation ending in a ‘2’ but you would need more than ten fingers to record the occasions he has fielded two forwards in the same team.

Gabriel Jesus was a prime example of this, the attacker often playing on the wing when Sergio Aguero was selected through the middle. The same has happened with Julian Alvarez albeit in a different position, despite concerns over whether he and Haaland could fit into the same line-up given Guardiola’s preference for a sole striker.

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However, amid Kevin De Bruyne’s long-term absence, Alvarez has often sat in behind Haaland. The pair have already chalked up a combined total of 28 individual goal contributions, with Haaland scoring 13 in 15 outings.

Six of Alvarez’s seven goals this season have come in the supporting striker role, having also tallied five assists - two of which have been for Haaland.

The Norway star has himself teed up two goals for Alvarez, which has prompted the Argentina World Cup winner to address their on-pitch relationship. “We have shown this season that we can do it. In fact, the previous season, too,” the striker - who assisted Haaland twice last season - told club media.

“Whenever we have played together, we have scored goals and contributed with assists between us. I am happy for what he has achieved.”

Alvarez has not only played well as the