Manchester City’s World Cup winner Julian Alvarez starred in last night’s FIFA Club World Cup final win over Fluminense. He scored a brace and set up a goal for Phil Foden to help fire his side to a 4-nil win over the Copa Libertadores champions. It added yet another winners medal to the trophy cabinet of City’s World Cup winner.
Julian Alvarez was tasked with leading the line against Fluminense in the absence of Erling Haaland. It was a task made for the Argentinian striker. He fired City into the lead when he opened the scoring after less than a minute. Alvarez reacted quickest to Nathan Ake’s shot which hit the bar to set the European champions on their way.
The ability of Alvarez to press Fluminense when they had possession was another feature. Fernando Diniz’s side can be a potent attacking threat when they have the ball. Besides a 20-minute period following the opening goal, the treble winners contained the threat of Fluminense. It was the City press of which Alvarez was a key part that helped contain the Copa Libertadores champions.
The second half saw Alvarez put the finishing touches on his great performance. City’s World Cup winner laid off the third goal for Phil Foden. He then had time to grab himself a second late on with a quality finish after he made Andre look like a spectator.
It should have come as no surprise to anyone watching that Alvarez would play a starring role on the big stage. His young career is littered with such instances. Alvarez was a key part of Argentina’s World Cup win in 2022. He also played a key role in City’s treble success last season. He now has almost completed football given the amount of trophies he’s won in his young career.
Julian Alvarez: FOOTBALL COMPLETED! 🏆✔️
And he is only 23. 🤯 #ClubWC | #FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 22, 2023
It is the mark of a special player to perform when the stakes are so high. Manchester City have one in Julian Alvarez and he proved it again last night.