Julian Alvarez has been a key part of Manchester City's starting line up this season, playing close to Erling Haaland.
Julian Alvarez insists he has always been able to play in the same team as Erling Haaland, shutting down the idea that they cannot work in the same system.
After arriving at City last summer, Alvarez was often used as an alternative to Haaland, but gradually earned more starts in the same team as the free-scoring striker, with their relationship growing with a handful of assists for each other.
This term, with Kevin De Bruyne injured, Alvarez has been a regular starter in the number ten position behind Haaland, with the pair already combining for four goals between them as Alvarez is also averaging a goal or assist every 86 minutes for City.
Speaking to City's official magazine, Alvarez dismissed the idea that he and Haaland cannot play together, pointing to last season's form as well as this year's blossoming partnership.
“There has been a lot of speculation about if we can play together or not,” Alvarez said.
“We have shown this season that we can do it. In fact, the previous season, too. Whenever we have played together, we have scored goals and contributed with assists between us. I am happy for what he has achieved.”
Another aspect of Alvarez's improved goals and assists contribution this season is his promotion to taking set pieces - with a fine strike at Wolves finding the net from a dead ball.
For Alvarez, there is nothing strange about taking free kicks, adding that he rarely practises his pinpoint deliveries.
“When I played with my friends or team-mates back home, I always was the player who kicked corners and free-kicks and practiced them all the time," he said.
“Last year with City, it was almost at the end of the season when I started doing it here, too. Here I practice when we do strategy sessions with the team, but not much more than that.”