The City boss says he has no doubts about his quality after playing his part in last season’s Treble as well as helping Argentina to the World Cup in a remarkable individual season.
But with the good form of John Stones, Rodrigo, Kevin De Bruyne and former captain Ilkay Gundogan in midfield last season, Alvarez has been patient for his opportunity.
And he has been in outstanding form this season with five goals and four assists already and made a big contribution as a 79th minute substitute in Germany.
“When a player is a world champion with Argentina and plays in the starting XI for Argentina, it’s because he is a good player,” Guardiola said.
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“Last season he arrived in a moment when we had John, Rodri, Kevin, Gundo and it was working well and he didn’t get many minutes but he never complained and look what happened now.
“When you have this positivity and go there, make three runs, two or three crosses, make an outstanding goal again - it’s not the first time he scored this type of goal.
“In 10, 15 minutes the impact was huge. To have these players on the bench with this mentality is really important.”
