Pep Guardiola explains new Julian Alvarez role at Man City

Pep Guardiola says injuries to other players have given Julian Alvarez a chance to start regularly for Manchester City and he's taken the opportunity with both hands.

The newly established playmaker has become one of the first names on the City teamsheet this season, says Guardiola. Alvarez has made an excellent start to the campaign and added to his goal tally with a brace in the Champions League win over Red Star Belgrade on Tuesday.

The Argentine also has two Premier League strikes to his name, including the winning goal against Newcastle, and has played 90 minutes in all five matches. Alvarez didn't start five successive league games last season until May, showing his growing importance to the side.

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Though signed as a striker, Alvarez is enjoying great success in an attacking midfield position and injuries to Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic this season have meant he's had the chance to make the position his own. Guardiola admits he will have to come out of the starting XI eventually in order to avoid burnout but is delighted with his current form.

"Always have good behaviour, playing, not playing, being a world champion or not," Guardiola said when asked about Alvarez's game time this season. "Always the same.

"The perfect dose of disappointment when he doesn't play but always ready for the opportunity. Last season we had Ilkay [Gundogan] and Kevin [De Bruyne]. Right now with the injuries he's had minutes and he gives us a lot of good things.

"That's why he's playing but he has to continue. Many games,