The last three domestic matches have shown Rodri to be Manchester City’s most important player in Kevin De Bruyne’s absence, but Julian Alvarez has perhaps been the biggest surprise so far.
Not just because of his qualities – his World Cup winners’ medal and three wins speak for themselves – but also because of the position he is asked to play.
The 23-year-old has been a supporting striker for River Plate on many occasions and Pep Guardiola has assigned him that role 10 times this season, the same number as all of last season.
He scored the same number of goals in this position as last year (year), which means we shouldn’t be too surprised that he could thrive there.
But who he chooses is what’s fascinating.
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Phil Foden has often spoken about how much he loves the number 10 role and perhaps for many he would be a more natural choice after coming through the youth ranks and winning the Under-17 World Cup in this position.
Sure, Jack Grealish is the traditional number 10 at Aston Villa while Bernardo Silva can and has played there for Man City.
Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes also possess this ability, although less often than their teammates.
Not only has Alvarez earned the trust of Pep Guardiola in this position, but he has also thrived in it, scoring four goals and scoring six himself – all but one as a supporting striker.
support.
However, there is a future problem that needs to be resolved.
The Argentinian showed versatility in the center but struggled on the right wing against Arsenal.
Perhaps Guardiola was influenced by the two goals he scored against Nottingham Forest last season, but Steve Cooper’s side must admit they were stuck in a quagmire at this stage.
Playing in an unfamiliar position against arguably the second best team in the league is always going to be difficult and it will be interesting to see if Guardiola can do the same at any point before De Bruyne return or not, even on Saturday.
Because when the Belgian returns to his attacking midfielder role, there is a risk that Alvarez will miss the starting lineup, which is both scandalous and harsh.
But the risks are real.
Erling Haaland will not be usurped as first-choice striker anytime soon while Grealish and Jeremy Doku compete for the left-wing position, with Foden the same.
The second player can also play on the right wing, like Doku but Bernardo Silva seems to be the preferred choice.
Even with Silva slotting into midfield, Alvarez is unlikely to get on the field ahead of the alternatives.
It is also unlikely that Guardiola will unbalance the squad and play two attacking midfielders, leaving Rodri as the sole pillar.
The Spaniard could probably handle the role himself, but beware of the grim faces of Nunes, Kovacic and Rico Lewis.
So does Kalvin Phillips.
The possibility of De Bruyne dropping deeper with Alvarez in front seems even slimmer.
That said, with Guardiola anything is possible.
Who would have guessed John Stones as midfielder, Manuel Akanji as left-back, or Grealish as winger?
But at a glance, it seems difficult to locate Alvarez.
Of course, it all depends on form, injury and illness and fortunately that’s not an issue Guardiola will have to deal with any time soon with De Bruyne still sidelined for months.
We must also remember that De Bruyne is now 32 years old and will likely be rested more often after this long period of decline.
But nevertheless, he remains the team’s talisman.
It will be interesting to see how the situation will develop when the time comes.
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