Julian Alvarez : The Next Big Thing? Or Another South American Disappointment?
In Riverplate he has scored 15 goals in 16 league games this season, along with5 assists - contributing directly to the goal every 59 minutes.
The figures above are from 21 year old wonder boy Julian Alvarez. This young talent is shining for Riverplate, and is becoming an irresistible threat of a goal machine for the opponent. Julian could not be a regular under Marcelo Gallardo at first, as the coach used him as a sub. Although he scored 10 goals in the first two seasons, he had to spend most of his time on the bench. But all of a sudden Julian became a deadly goal scorer whrn Gallardo wanted him. He shifted Julian from the wing to the center and made him the absolute number nine.
After Colombian striker Rafael Borre moved to Frankfurt and two of his first-choice strikers Matthias Suarez and Brian Romero injured, Gallardo had no option but to deal with these injury problems. The results also come quickly, the best of Alvarez came out in this new position. Dynamic movement inside the box, accurate positioning with speed and the ability to turn chances into goals, great skillset overall.
Although there are many European elites who are keen to bring him to the team, Alvarez has a bittersweet experience in an elite team in Europe. Alvarez came to Real Madrid for a trial at the age of 11. His photos with Gonzalo Higuain and Angel Di Maria are just one Google search away. Alvarez's dream of playing for one of the best clubs in the world was thwarted by an under-age transfer restriction. After his dream of playing in Europe did not come true, He joined Riverplate, Palacios, Lucas Martinez Quarta, Montiel, Alario's River Plate. In 2016 from Athletilo Culchin. He made his professional debut in the 18-19 season under Gallardo. He then slowly took his place in the squad. Julian was a member of Argentina's Under 20 team that trained with the main team before the 2018 World Cup. Scaloni made his Argentine debut possible on 3 June 2021 after a good performance in the lower ranks, and was replaced by Angel Di Maria against Chile in the 82nd minute. Alvarez will also be able to prove himself if given a chance in Scaloni's Argentina squad in November.
A young talent has started to play well and big teams will not be interested in it, that's not possible. The release clause of the contract binding him to Riverplate is just 25 million. Which is not so much in the current market. According to various sources, Alvarez will fly to Europe at the end of this season or in the winter transfer market. A club in Italy may be the next destination. The name of AC Milan is heard more, but many more are interested in Alvarez. In the end, wherever the destination is, the expectation is that Alvarez can sharpen himself further. After all, we all love young guns making a name for themselves. That's how the generations progress. And football lives on to entertain us through these new artists from around the world.