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Dynamic duo: The impact of Haaland and Alvarez on Manchester City’s attack
Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez scored four goals together in Manchester City’s 5-1 win over Fulham. While the result might point to a routine win, the reality is far from true. The team got off to a shaky start, which hurt Haaland and Alvarez’s performances, according to Pep Guardiola’s trusted lieutenant Juanma Lillo.
Haaland: Goal machine
Erling Haaland has a reputation ahead of him. He’s not the type of player who excels with his dribbling or his complex game.He’s there to do a job: score goals. And when Manchester City create chances, Haaland rarely fails. His role is simple but crucial: he looks like a sniper waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Lillo spoke openly about Haaland’s problems in the first half, saying: “In games like this, it’s difficult for any player, especially a striker with Haaland’s qualities. But even on a day off, he can play a crucial role. Stay fit, Haaland.” scored a hat-trick, proving he can pull through even when the going gets tough.
Alvarez: However, the versatile virtuoso
Julian Alvarez puts a different twist on City’s attack. He’s just a scorer, he’s a quarterback, ball handler and relentless pusher.His versatile skills complement Haaland’s more focused role and create a strong partnership.
However, Lillo also spoke about the challenges both players face when the overall team performance is poor. “The game determines what a player can do and that is even more true for the strikers. If the team doesn’t form well, it will be difficult for them,” he said.
The tactical conundrum: balancing attack and flow
Guardiola’s tactical acumen was put to the test in the presence of Haaland and Alvarez. While Alvarez was more involved in the warm-up game, he was also guilty of losing possession, just like his teammates. The question is: does the presence of the two forwards on the field reduce the fluidity of City’s game?
Guardiola is experimenting with the pair, particularly in the absence of Kevin De Bruyne. The aim is to integrate Alvarez more centrally instead of confining him to the flanks.Work is in progress, but early signs are promising.
The Road Ahead: Unleashing the Full Potential
The season is still young, and Manchester City has already shown glimpses of what could be a historic campaign. With Haaland’s goal-scoring prowess and Alvarez’s versatility, the sky’s the limit for this team. As they continue to fine-tune their partnership and adapt to different game scenarios, one thing is clear: they will be a force to reckon with.
