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After Allegedly Losing Ballon d’Or to Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland Eclipsed by Julian Alvarez, Says Ex-Argentina Star

Published 10/17/2023, 2:30 PM EDT

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There are rumors that Erling Haaland has lost the Ballon d’Or race against Lionel Messi. Haaland will also not play in the 2024 Euros as Norway failed to qualify. Further, even with 8 goals in 8 league games for Manchester City, he’s having a bit of a dry spell, as per the Norwegian standards. Interestingly, Julian Alvarez became the main man who was ‘overshadowing’ Haaland at the club before the international break claimed a fellow Argentine soccer veteran.

Erling Haaland is aiming to regain his lost form in Manchester City. He knows he needs one goal to get back his lost confidence in the last few matches. But the Argentinian media is not letting it slide. Further claims that Alvarez is having a better season than Haaland have surprised quite a few across the globe.

Ex-Argentina star believes Julian Alvarez is better than Erling Haaland

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Julian Alvarez looked impressive for Manchester City before the international break. He made such an impact that fans urged Pep Guardiola to play Alvarez over Erling Haaland. Haaland has not only struggled to score goals in the last few matches but also struggled to involve himself in the overall game. After the resurgence of Alvarez, an ex-Argentina star now believes that Julian Alvarez is currently eclipsing Erling Haaland in terms of overall play and goals.

via Imago

Ex-Argentina star Jorge D’Alessandro said, “I think he is good. He is learning, he is with a great teacher who is Pep Guardiola who also taught him things and is making him a total footballer. Guardiola is a coach to enrich a footballer and above all in the role he is giving him. I think he is overshadowing “Haaland. He’s totally overshadowing him”, as compiled by GOL (Translated by Google).

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There is no doubt that Julian Alvarez is a brilliant player. Pep also should have no doubt about starting the World Cup winner. However, the fans and the media have to realize Haaland is also playing an important role. And let’s not forget the impact he had in his debut season and his role in winning the treble. So the big question is, should Pep continue putting his trust in Erling Haaland as their main striker?

Pep Guardiola currently is dealing with a positive problem in the squad

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has trusted Erling Haaland as his main striker. He has not yet tested the strikers leading the line formation. Pep has started Alvarez on the right side or behind Haaland. Further, Alvarez only leads the line after the Norwegian is substituted in the match. Meanwhile, all the media is talking about is the lack of goals from Haaland. But the one thing to notice is his movement is helping create space for Julian Alvarez.

A physical player like Erling Haaland attracts two defenders on him in the opposition. This has often helped Julian Alvarez find ample space and time to score. At times, City uses Haaland as a decoy runner. This is the reason Pep Guardiola starts Haaland ahead of Alvarez. Meanwhile, Alvarez has scored 6 and gotten 5 assists in 13 appearances so far. And if Alvarez keeps up this form.

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Erling Haaland is a very important player for Manchester City. The club is also planning to offer Haaland a mega contract to avoid the interest of Real Madrid in a transfer. City ownership considers both Haaland and Alvarez as important players for the present and the future. Any thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by:

Anuj Nikhil Virjiani

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Anuj Virjiani is a soccer writer at Essentially Sports. With a fervent passion for the sport, especially the English Premier League, Anuj has meticulously cultivated his expertise in dissecting the game's technical intricacies and strategic nuances, both on and off the field. Anuj's cherished club is, interestingly, Newcastle United, and he has closely followed and analyzed the club's journey through its highs and lows, and enjoyed witnessing their triumphant promotion from the second tier, their recent takeover, and the remarkable qualification for the Champions League last season.
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Edited by:

Rohan Karnad