Julian Alvarez (foto: Getty Images)
Julian Alvarez has overcome a slow start at Atletico Madrid to score 10 goals in 21 matches, justifying his €75M price tag as the priciest signing of the summer.
Atletico Madrid made headlines this summer by securing Julian Alvarez from Manchester City for a €75 million fee, with potential bonuses bringing the deal up to €95 million. This made the 2022 World Cup winner the most expensive signing of the transfer window. With that price tag came high expectations, and after a challenging adjustment period, Alvarez is now delivering on the promise that convinced Atletico to make him their marquee signing.
Finding his stride in Madrid
Transitioning from Pep Guardiola’s fluid system at Manchester City to Diego Simeone’s tactical structure at Atletico was never going to be straightforward. Alvarez struggled early on to adapt to Simeone's demanding style of play, which is starkly different from what he was accustomed to in both Argentina and Manchester City.
However, Alvarez has overcome those initial hurdles. In just 21 appearances across all competitions, he has already scored 10 goals and provided two assists. Even more impressively, he has netted six goals in his last six matches, becoming a crucial figure in Atletico's attack. His form reflects the team’s overall resurgence, with Atletico scoring 11 goals across their last two away games against Sparta Prague and Real Valladolid.
Simeone praises Alvarez’s growth
Atletico manager Diego Simeone acknowledged Alvarez’s progress and the importance of patience when integrating players into his system.
"Julian needed time. All players need time, and within teams, there are hierarchies. Julian is growing and improving. He now understands Atletico’s style of play very well. He comes from a different footballing culture in Argentina and an entirely different system at City. Like I said, he needed time. His qualities are now very important for our team’s play," Simeone explained after Atletico’s win in Valladolid.
Living up to the hype
The €75 million price tag, potentially rising to €95 million, placed Alvarez under immense pressure to perform. Despite the slow start, he is proving why Atletico bet heavily on him. With 10 goals and growing influence, Alvarez is now establishing himself as a key player in Simeone’s system, showing that his move from Manchester City to Atletico was worth every penny.