Manchester City has once again caught the attention of the Premier League. The team secured a 2-0 victory over Everton, with striker Haaland scoring both goals in the second half. After the game, Haaland spoke to the media about his time away from the field.
In December, Haaland suffered an ankle injury during a match against Aston Villa. Initially, it seemed like a minor issue, but medical reports revealed a stress fracture, resulting in the striker being sidelined for over two months. Haaland returned to action earlier this month, but failed to make an impact. Instead, Julian Alvarez stole the spotlight for Manchester City. Haaland shared his struggles during the rehabilitation process.
The Norwegian didn’t hold back when describing his time on the sidelines after his injury in December. Following the victory against Everton, he expressed his frustration, stating, “It’s been terrible. I really dislike it. However, it makes me appreciate training and game days more. I feel a different mindset now. I value every training session because I know what it’s like to be without it. It changes your perspective.”
Haaland’s injury in December was a devastating setback for Manchester City, especially with Kevin De Bruyne also unavailable. However, Julian Alvarez rose to the occasion in their absence, taking charge from the forefront. The young Argentine has played in 34 matches for Manchester City across various competitions, making an impressive contribution of 25 goals.
Although Haaland’s return may push Alvarez down the pecking order, he has proven himself during their absence and secured his place in the starting lineup.
Pep Guardiola faces an intriguing dilemma. Manchester City boasts some of the league’s top players, making it impossible to give everyone the necessary playing time. While Guardiola has used Julian Alvarez as a substitute for Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland in recent months, their return raises doubts about Alvarez’s position in the team.
The Argentine star has been exceptional this season, and benching him could send the wrong message to the player. Guardiola has attempted to address the issue by deploying Alvarez as an attacking midfielder, occasionally starting De Bruyne on the bench since his return. However, this arrangement cannot be sustained for long, particularly as the season reaches its crucial stages.
While Guardiola could provide Alvarez with regular appearances as a substitute and occasional starts, it fails to recognize the player’s hard work in recent months. What are your thoughts on Julian Alvarez’s situation? Share your opinions in the comments section below.
According to the Source essentiallysports.com