Julian Alvarez is giving Man City and Pep Guardiola everything they wanted and more

When Julian Alvarez walked into Manchester City in the summer, his manager was instantly impressed.

Pep Guardiola hadn't seen the striker play in the flesh and his talent and ability, while perhaps not catching him completely cold was certainly a pleasant surprise. The Argentina international fit the City mould and then some.

“I knew him a little bit on TV and clips but I am surprised how good he is,” said the manager back in August. “He's so humble, always positive and every training session he gives everything. I like these type of players. We are all impressed for his pace, for his sense of goal, for his work ethic.”

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Hard work is as much a staple of a Guardiola side as talent, ability or anything else. The Etihad chief demands plenty from his players and Alvarez hit the ground running. His fitness levels and efforts in training are at a consistently high level and it's borne out in his remarkable playing run.

Alvarez started his City career having already played 25 times in 2022 for former side River Plate. Three weeks off in July have proved his only break since February last year with the 23-year-old part of the Argentina side that went all the way in Qatar to win the World Cup.

His appearance against Fulham at the weekend was the 80th of what has essentially been an extended season that could hit 90 if City reach the Champions League final and he features in every game. It's an incredible run, and one that will need to be carefully managed by the City fitness staff during the summer break.

Alvarez netted a sensational strike in the weekend win over Fulham to reach 15 for the season. He's produced more than a