Indeed, the Spaniard even admitted that “it could be a problem” before the season started, should his side begin to pick up injuries. Which, of course, they have.
Man City announced the signing of Alvarez in January 2022 for a fee of just £14m, although he wouldn’t link up with his new teammates until the summer, spending the rest of the European season back on loan at boyhood club River Plate.
Alvarez matured during his spell at the Etihad, going on to become just the fifth player – after Cafu, Dida, Ronaldinho and Roque Júnior – to win the triumphant: The Champions League, Copa Libertadores and World Cup.
Judging by his superb form this season for Atlético Madrid, combined with City enduring their worst campaign since 2016/17, his move proves that City’s loss is very much Diego Simeone’s gain.
Living up to his transfer fee
When Atlético signed the Argentinian, paying an initial transfer fee of £64.4m, with a further £17m in potential add-ons, he became the second-most expensive signing in their history, behind only João Félix.
A total of 53 goal contributions – 36 goals and 17 assists – in Manchester was a solid return, but Alvarez started in just 64 of his 103 appearances. While the pressure was firmly on the forward to make an impact with Atlético, a fresh start was required in order to revitalise him.
So often used across a myriad of roles under Guardiola, including centre-forward, attacking midfield, and even as a second striker, Simeone knew that finding a settled position for the 25-year-old could prove crucial in bringing the best out of him.
At the 2022 World Cup, Alvarez displaced Lautaro Martínez as the main centre-forward for Argentina as they searched for world title number three, playing the quarter-final, semi-final and final in this position. He scored twice against Croatia to send his nation into the showpiece encounter against France.
Simeone has moved away from his usual 3-5-2 system to incorporate a 4-4-2 which allows Alvarez to play next to Antoine Griezmann, which has proved to be a potent combination, not only in LaLiga, but also in their run to the Round of 16 in the Champions League.
Atlético Madrid chasing their third title under Simeone
The 54-year-old has worked wonders with the club. LaLiga titles were won in 2013/14 and 2020/21, suggesting Atlético could go toe-to-toe with Real Madrid and Barcelona domestically.
Since their last league triumph, the club have finished third on two occasions before dropping down to fourth position last season.
Adding Alvarez to their squad, plus the signings of Conor Gallagher, Robin Le Normand and Alexander Sørloth has had an almost transformative effect on the club.
In LaLiga, they rank first for least goals conceded per game (0.7), while also ranking first for most clean sheets (13). Attacking wise, they rank fifth for goals per match (1.6), sixth for shots on target per game (4.4) and fourth for big chances (77). This combination of attacking ability and defensive solidity has worked wonders for the club, who now find themselves in the mix for a third league title under Simeone’s leadership.
Alvarez’s impact has been excellent. Not only has the Argentinian scored ten goals and grabbed two assists in the top flight, but he has shone across a range of attacking metrics.
The former Man City forward currently ranks in the top 5% for shots on target (25), the top 7% for chances created (25) along with ranking in the top 5% for successful dribbles (23) when compared to his peers in the Spanish top flight.
His goal participation accounts for 27% of the 44 goals Atlético have scored in LaLiga this season, with only Griezmann (30%) boasting a higher percentage.
Hailed by his manager for being everything they needed him to be upon his arrival, Alvarez has exceeded expectations.
“When he still couldn’t reflect with facts what we were looking for when we signed him, I said that I was sure he had Atleti’s DNA.” Said the boss of the Rojiblancos.
Further Champions League glory will have to wait another season for the former River Plate starlet, as Atleti crashed out on penalties to arch rivals Real in the last-16.
He scored his spot kick in the penalty shoot-out, but VAR disallowed it due to a double kick, and Simeone’s side failed to recover, losing 4-2 on Wednesday evening. The controversy has continued to rage ever since.
Having scored seven goals and recorded one assist in ten Champions League matches this season, Alvarez has reinvented himself under the leadership of his compatriot.
A new role alongside Griezmann looks to have finally established the Argentinian forward as one of the finest players in Europe.
Winning LaLiga would be the ideal reward for someone who is evidently entering their peak.
With a vital tie against Barcelona coming up, Alvarez has the chance to make himself a hero at the Metropolitano all over again – on Sunday night.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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