Julian Alvarez’s Performance Shows He Deserves a Starting Spot Despite the Return of Superstar Forward Kevin De Bruyne at Man City.

The Argentine bagged a brace in a 3-1 win to show he is worth keeping in the starting line-up despite the return of City’s superstar attackers

Julian Alvarez marked his birthday in spectacular fashion by spearheading Manchester City to a commanding 3-1 triumph over Burnley on Wednesday night. Despite Pep Guardiola implementing six changes to the lineup, Alvarez retained his spot, featuring in his 21st consecutive league fixture and netting two goals in rapid succession. His second goal, aided by an audacious assist from Kevin De Bruyne from a free-kick, showcased City’s attacking prowess.

De Bruyne made his first start in over five months, and the introduction of Erling Haaland from the bench raised questions about Alvarez’s future starting opportunities. However, the Argentine’s stellar performance underscored his importance to the team as City relentlessly pursued Liverpool in the title race.

Rodri extended City’s lead early in the second half, easing any lingering tension. Nevertheless, Burnley salvaged a consolation goal as Ameen Al Dakhil capitalized on a rare blunder from Ederson in added time. Despite the late setback, Alvarez’s standout display reaffirmed his value to Manchester City’s ambitions.

Goalkeeper and Defense

Ederson (4/10):

Barely had to make a save until badly messing up and gifting Al Dakhil the late goal. Earned a booking for shoving Connor Roberts while defending Rico Lewis.

Rico Lewis (7/10):

He came in for Kyle Walker and looked equally experienced and assured while showing more ambition in attack.

John Stones (6/10):

Solid in his first match back for a month. Most stayed in defence rather than joining midfield.

Nathan Ake (7/10):

A towering presence, brushing Burnley’s forwards aside as if they were schoolboys playing against adults.

Josko Gvardiol (5/10):

Strong in both halves for most of the game, making a perfectly-timed tackle on Lyle Foster and coming close to scoring. But loses a mark for being easily beaten in the build-up to Burnley’s consolation goal.

Midfield

Matheus Nunes (6/10):

I made the most of my first league start in over a month by setting up the opener. Burnley made life easy for him, although he still looks very much like a squad player and not a regular.

Rodri (7/10):

He was as physically dominant as ever and dangerous too, scoring his sixth goal of the season.

Phil Foden (7/10):

Orchestrated the play, linking midfield and attack to perfection. Set up Rodri’s strike.

Attack

Kevin De Bruyne (7/10):

Showed real invention to set up Alvarez’s second. Not quite at full throttle after so long out, but getting there.

Julian Alvarez (8/10):

He played like he had a point to prove with De Bruyne and Haaland returning. He sure made it, showing wonderful movement, composure, and lethal finishing.

Jeremy Doku (7/10):

He kept Vitinho on his toes from the start with some electrifying runs down the left wing.

Subs & Manager

Erling Haaland (6/10):

A welcome return after seven weeks out. He looked hungry for a goal but a bit rusty, miskicking a shot and misplacing a final pass.

Jack Grealish (6/10):

He tried to get Haaland a goal in the 13 minutes he was on for.

Mateo Kovacic (N/A):

He came on in the 87th minute.

Sergio Gomez (N/A):

Brought on in the 87th minute, too.

Pep Guardiola (7/10):

He made six changes with no impact on his side’s ability to win and gave important minutes to Haaland, plus long-awaited starts for Stones and De Bruyne. Job done.

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