The Argentine striker signed from River Plate last year but only joined up with his new teammates in the summer

Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez has claimed that there are two different sides to Erling Haaland when he is on and off the pitch.

Alvarez was signed on deadline day in the winter of 2022 but would return to his Argentine club on loan for the remainder of that season. The 23-year-old has since impressed when given the opportunity this campaign to perform.

In his 26 appearances, Alvarez has scored nine goals and grabbed two assists. His time at the winter World Cup saw him become a household name as he helped Lionel Messi and co win the prestigious tournament, but he is still finding it difficult to nail down a regular starting position.

The player who is preventing him from doing so is Haaland. City’s Norwegian has been in electric form scoring a whopping 31 goals in 27 appearances and is now undroppable in the eyes of Pep Guardiola.

During an interview with GQ magazine at the launch of Adidas’ Speedportal boots, Alvarez explained what it is like to be around the in form 22-year-old: “All players have their own things that they like to do, but it’s true that Erling Haaland is his own man.

“At times on the pitch, he might seem different, but once he’s off the pitch he takes time to be calm, to feel really relaxed and to help out his teammates in the best way he can.” That type of teammate is crucial for a young player making the switch to a new continent which can provide its own challenges.

Alvarez added that there was a big difference he spotted when he completed his switch to Manchester. He said: “When you go to train with the national team, you’re faced with new players that come in and you’re only there for a couple of games.

“Football’s become a very professional sport, though, so everyone trains really well. Each player has a specific programme at their club, so the fitness coaches for the national team try to cater to each player, continuing their club programme while adapting it for the competition.

“When I first came to Manchester City from Argentina, it was quite different. Here, you have a lot more technology – the club looks after every single aspect of you, not only with the work we do in the gym but also when you’re away, and your nutrition, making sure you take protein on board after matches.

“They look after all the sporting side of things to make you feel as good as you can, and that’s helped me a great deal.”

Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk