Julián Álvarez: From Manchester City’s Departure to Atlético Madrid’s Champions League Sensation
Madrid, Spain – When Julián Álvarez transitioned from Manchester City to Atlético Madrid in the summer of 2024, questions arose regarding Pep Guardiola’s decision to part ways with the Argentine forward. Now, as the 2024–25 season unfolds, Álvarez has not only silenced critics but has also emerged as one of the Champions League’s most efficient center-forwards, underscoring the potential oversight in Manchester City’s transfer strategy.
Atlético Madrid’s Gain
Since joining Atlético Madrid, Álvarez has been nothing short of sensational. His statistics for the 2024–25 season are a testament to his impact:
La Liga: 26 appearances, 10 goals
Copa del Rey: 6 appearances, 5 goals
Champions League: 9 appearances, 7 goals
This brings his season total to 22 goals across all competitions, making him Atlético’s top scorer.
In the Champions League, Álvarez’s efficiency is particularly noteworthy. He averages a goal every 94.5 minutes, surpassing the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kylian Mbappé in terms of scoring frequency. Furthermore, 85.7% of his goals have been decisive, often determining the outcome of matches.
Thierry Henry’s Critique
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has openly questioned Guardiola’s decision to sell Álvarez. Highlighting Manchester City’s current struggles, Henry pointed out that the absence of a prolific goal scorer like Álvarez has been detrimental. He remarked, “Guardiola is a human being; he can get stuff wrong.”
Recent Controversy
Álvarez’s Champions League journey faced a hiccup during a penalty shootout against Real Madrid. He slipped, causing a double touch on the ball, leading to the disallowance of his penalty by VAR. This incident has sparked discussions about potential UEFA rule changes regarding unintentional double touches during penalties.
Conclusion
Julián Álvarez’s stellar performances for Atlético Madrid highlight what many now perceive as a misstep by Manchester City in letting him go. As Atlético continues its Champions League campaign, Álvarez’s contributions will be pivotal, potentially serving as a reminder to City of the talent they once had.