Julian Alvarez has explained he watches how Erling Haaland plays in the hope of learning from his Manchester City teammate.
Manchester City ace Julian Alvarez has admitted that he “observes” teammate Erling Haaland in an attempt to learn from the Norwegian frontman.
Haaland arrived at the Etihad Stadium from Borussia Dortmund in the summer transfer window, with the 22-year-old registering 33 goals and five assists in 34 appearances in all competitions. The striker’s form has seen fellow summer arrival Alvarez start just six times in the Premier League, but the World Cup winner has still impressed since his move.
Alvarez has managed 10 goals and three assists for Pep Guardiola’s side this campaign – and there have been signs of the Argentinian ace forming a solid strike partnership with Haaland when they have been deployed as a front two. However, with the Norway international being the preferred striker this term, Alvarez has had to be patient with his opportunities.
Despite this, the 23-year-old has spoken glowingly about Haaland and insisted that the former Dortmund star has helped him improve since the pair both arrived at the Etihad. He also revealed that the Premier League’s top goalscorer is a massive fan of Argentinian outfit Boca Juniors.
Asked about their relationship, Alvarez told TyC Sports: “[Haaland’s] a good guy. He helps me, we talk to each other and I try to observe him from the outside in order to learn.
“Ever since I’ve been here, he’s always told me he’s for Boca Juniors and he’s talked to me about La Bombonera [Boca Juniors’ stadium]. I think he was with Leonardo Balerdi at Borussia Dortmund and that influenced him a bit.
“We’ll see if we can change [his allegiance to River Plate] little by little. It’s going to be difficult, but we’ll try.”
Alvarez, who signed for City from River Plate – arch-rivals of Boca – believes current Marseille player Balerdi had a significant impact on Haaland’s admiration of the Argentinian outfit while the pair were together at the Signal Iduna Park. The latter was only at Dortmund for six months, but he clearly had an influence on Haaland.
