Julian Alvarez | Signs for City (see main forum)

[MarsLlama]

I’ve seen enough to know that he will suit our style of play but could benefit from a little more time playing centrally. He’s not long moved in off the wing. At present, we’re simply not in the luxury of being able to accommodate anyone in the middle who is still learning their craft. Torres showed glimpses but was slight, inconsistent, and probably homesick, and while Delap has the physique to excel in the middle, he needs game time and another season to develop physically. I think therefore that it’s an astute move.

After all, we’ve spent year honing our system, so his arrival now would not be the difference between us winning the title or the Champions League. Far better to secure his services now and then use them when we can best benefit.

Oh God, the last thing we need is another striker who after a few bad months everyone goes "it's because he's actually a winger" (or vice versa). Hoping this isn't another of those (if he ever plays for our first team).

 

[Gabriel]

Oh God, the last thing we need is another striker who after a few bad months everyone goes "it's because he's actually a winger" (or vice versa). Hoping this isn't another of those (if he ever plays for our first team).

Far from it. Many players that we have signed are physically more suited to remaining on the wing. Alvarez is filling out and has that low centre of gravity, coupled with an arse like an Aberdeen Angus, that will help him shield the ball and play through the middle. He makes the runs of a forward instinctively, both font and near post, and that’s why he should be worth waiting for.

 

[bluesince76]

Atleast he is able to call himself a Juve player.

And...

He's obviously got one of the moves he wanted, but I've seen nothing to suggest we were even in for him - all the 'news' appeared to be his agent desperately trying to get him a move somewhere.

Although I'm not sure why you're so interested in a player for another club in the wrong thread?

 

[IOWBlue]

Far from it. Many players that we have signed are physically more suited to remaining on the wing. Alvarez is filling out and has that low centre of gravity, coupled with an arse like an Aberdeen Angus, that will help him shield the ball and play through the middle. He makes the runs of a forward instinctively, both font and near post, and that’s why he should be worth waiting for.

George Weah should have scored loads for us then.

 

[OccupiedPalestineBlues]

George Weah should have scored loads for us then.

I agree that he should have scored loads but I don’t think the issue was his physical build.

 

[AlanBalls]

Most City fans seem convinced that this one is different and this guy we only heard of a week ago is going to be the next big thing. I'm much more cynical.

For me, whenever we see the words "he's signed and will be immediately loaned out" it kills any excitement I had for the transfer. Only Zinchenko has actually done that in the last ten years and made it in the first team and that was sheer tenacity. Otherwise I have to assume we're only interested in the profit.

Normally I’d agree, but this is something of a more unique circumstance. Alvarez is the best player for one of the best sides in Argentina. They’ve high-priority tournaments and games coming up, and from our end I understand why Pep doesn’t feel he’s absolutely urgent for this window.

He’s being loaned back out of convenience and relationship-building with the selling club rather than development-for-profit IMO.

 

[MarsLlama]

Normally I’d agree, but this is something of a more unique circumstance. Alvarez is the best player for one of the best sides in Argentina. They’ve high-priority tournaments and games coming up, and from our end I understand why Pep doesn’t feel he’s absolutely urgent for this window.

He’s being loaned back out of convenience and relationship-building with the selling club rather than development-for-profit IMO.

Genuinely feels like we hear the same kind of praise about loads of past youngsters who've come to nothing. Tim Vickery said Marlos Moreno was a better talent than Gabriel Jesus if I remember correctly.

I'd love to be wrong but this one doesn't feel any different to me yet. All hinges on joining date. If he's nearly 22 and we're not fussed about him joining until the summer or maybe even longer, how good can he actually be?

 

[Bluearmy]

Most City fans seem convinced that this one is different and this guy we only heard of a week ago is going to be the next big thing. I'm much more cynical.

For me, whenever we see the words "he's signed and will be immediately loaned out" it kills any excitement I had for the transfer. Only Zinchenko has actually done that in the last ten years and made it in the first team and that was sheer tenacity. Otherwise I have to assume we're only interested in the profit.

Not exactly the same but the Jesus deal was done and he stayed with Palmeiras for the rest of their season, around 6 months

 

[Fordyboy46]

At an advanced stage according to those experts at SSN, means we're a million miles away from a deal

 

[Gaz (FMwkdsoul)]

Genuinely feels like we hear the same kind of praise about loads of past youngsters who've come to nothing. Tim Vickery said Marlos Moreno was a better talent than Gabriel Jesus if I remember correctly.

I'd love to be wrong but this one doesn't feel any different to me yet. All hinges on joining date. If he's nearly 22 and we're not fussed about him joining until the summer or maybe even longer, how good can he actually be?

He;s on the brink of making the WC squad, he would have turned down a move without playing time. We get him tied down early and he gets to push into the squad. Just timing really, if itd have been a normal year i reckon he'd be here now.