Why Julian Alvarez deserves to win Ballon d’Or 2023

Julian Alvarez of Argentina celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Australia at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on December 03, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by AFP)

It wasn’t a surprise to find Manchester City forward, Julian Alvarez’s name among the nominees for the 2023 Ballon d’Or awards when the list was announced on September 6.

This is because Alvarez achieved a lot in the game during the 2022/23 football season and in the year under review as set out by the organisers of the prestigious awards.

There is no doubt that the Argentine international stands a very good chance of winning the Ballon d’Or when the ceremony takes place at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France on October 30 due to the following reasons…

Historic Treble win with Man City

Álvarez secured a historic treble with Manchester City and indeed, since signing for the Premier League giants in January 2022 for €21.4 million, he has been something of a surprise package in Guardiola’s side.

Julian Alvarez celebrates with the Premier League trophy. (Photo by AFP)

By no means the most expensive addition to one of the most costly teams in the history of football, the Argentine striker has quickly become a vital member of a team that conquered all before them last season.

And the forward certainly played his part with 17 goals and five assists in 49 appearances across all competitions with some of his strikes helping the Cityzens to secure very important victories.

Second only to Erling Haaland, Álvarez really thrived as a goalscorer for Man City during the 2022/23 campaign despite the fact that he played 26 games as a substitute while starting 23.

While Haaland is unquestionably the club’s