Manchester City have a lot of players involved in this summer’s international competitions.
Specifically, 15 members of Pep Guardiola’s squad have been selected to represent their countries, with 14 being in the European Championship and one in the Copa America.
Bearing in mind how the Citizens won a sixth Premier League trophy in seven years at the end of their latest domestic campaign, it comes as no surprise that so many City players have been picked to play in these two international tournaments.
Now though, one of those 15 City figures has delivered a performance that we feel should have reminded Guardiola just how much of a top player he is ahead of next season.
Julian Alvarez delivers top performance in latest Argentina match
In Argentina’s opening match of the Copa America, they beat Canada 2-0 thanks to goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez.
The City striker found himself in the starting XI starting up top next to Lionel Messi before then finding the back of the net in the 49th minute.
Despite only having 26 touches of the ball in the 76 minutes he was on the pitch, the 24-year-old managed to accurately complete all 16 passes he attempted.
In addition to having three shots at goal in total, Alvarez was able to successfully complete the one dribble he went on.
Alvarez has reminded Guardiola what he can offer City
Even though the striker, who Stefan Ortega said back in April is an incredible finisher, appeared in 36 Premier League games for City last season, he didn’t start any of the final five of the campaign.
Now that the attacker has got his Copa America tournament off to a great start, Alvarez could have in the back of his mind that he will have shown his club manager why he should be starting every game for City.
Moving forward, if the World Cup winner can carry on scoring goals throughout the tournament and help Argentina win another major international title, this could convince Guardiola to utilise Alvarez in a two-man strike partnership with Erling Haaland next season.