Julian Alvarez has won pretty much everything there is to win as a player, so much so that he doesn't know exactly where all his medals are. "Some are in
Argentina and some are in the
UK," he says, although he does know where his
World Cup winner's medal is - locked away in a 'special cabinet' back in his home country. This is a player who is a world and continental champion for club and country, a treble winner and a teammate of the best players in the world. Alvarez has 13 major trophies at an average of one every 18 appearances for club and country. But he still can't hold down a regular position in the
Manchester City team. For Argentina, he is the industrial number nine to allow
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Premier League schedule but sends warning to Man City players At City, he is second choice at both nine and 10 behind Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne. Yet he scores goals wherever he plays, with 16 this season from 43 appearances along with a club-high of 13 assists. In total for City he averages a goal or assist every 107 minutes. Not bad for a back-up. This season only Phil Foden has played more games for City but that is as a result of De Bruyne and Haaland's various injury troubles. When both are fit, Alvarez has dropped out to the bench. Despite his increased playing time this term, Alvarez wants to further establish himself in Pep Guardiola's plans. He will do whatever he must for the team, but isn't shy of declaring his ambitions to play more as the central striker. “I played more this season – the first year I had to be more patient – I’ve played in different positions – as a nine or a 10. But I’m happy to be playing a lot more," he said. Julian Alvarez won the World Cup with Argentina (Image: KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images) “I can adapt to both nine or 10 but I’d say I prefer playing as a nine. Players here need to be able to adapt to what the manager says – sometimes It can be a bit confusing, changing a lot. But you have to adapt." That feels like a diplomatic way of approaching the situation, especially when a goalscoring machine like Haaland is his competition. The Argentine didn't entertain the talk earlier this year that he couldn't play alongside the Norwegian, insisting the pair are always working on their partnership. "It’s a pleasure to play with him always," he added. "We have shown that we can play together and we give a lot to the team when we do play together. "I’m used to playing with other strikers – ever since I was a child I’ve always shared the forward roles with other guys. But we have demonstrated that we can play together to help the team." His form, coupled with the incredible quality of De Bruyne and Haaland, has led to reports that Alvarez could leave in the summer to be the main man elsewhere, with
Real Madrid and
Juventus among the clubs linked. Alvarez doesn't address those rumours directly but insists he is happy where he is at City, fully enjoying his football. "I'm in the best team in the world, in the best league in the world, and with the best players around me," he said. "That helps me to grow as a player and a person. I'm really happy here." It helps that Alvarez has 'a part of Argentina' in Manchester with him. His parents, brothers and girlfriend are all based in the city with him - his brothers were playing for local non-league side Abbey Hey when they arrived but are now looking for an opportunity elsewhere. Julian Alvarez insists he can play alongside Erling Haaland as a strike pair, and is working hard in training on their partnership. (Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images.) Alvarez likes to watch
Football in his spare time so is keeping a close eye on
Liverpool and
Arsenal in the Premier League title race and City have helped him adapt since moving from South America. When asked if he was happy for the Etihad Stadium announcer to use his 'La Arana' nickname, he responded positively, clarifying he wanted it announced in Spanish when he scored given the literal translation is 'the Spider'. He remains in contact with former City striker Sergio Aguero, who helped him when he signed for City shortly after Aguero left for
Barcelona. “We talk a lot – maybe not as much as we used to because he’s outside of football," Alvarez explains. "He’s doing a lot of streaming now. But we talk when we can. “Before I moved here I asked him for advice yes – what to do in Manchester, how is the city. I used to watch him as a kid, the same as I watched Messi. He’s always been an example for me but especially now that I play for City.” So with all those trophies and all those goals, what else is there for the 24-year-old to achieve? For Alvarez, it is simple. Win them all over again. "There’s been a lot of trophies in a short amount of time. But I want to keep growing as a player and as a person," he replies. "And why not win all the same titles again? It’s a lot of titles yes – but I want to keep doing it. I will keep training and I will keep working for the fans so we can get more pleasure out of winning."