Scout Report: Julian Alvarez to Manchester United

River Plate youngster Julián Álvarez has been strongly linked to many big European clubs, including Manchester United. According to various reports, Ralf Rangnick is keen on bringing the 21-year-old to Old Trafford.

Date of Birth: 31/01/2000 (21)

Position: Striker

Strong Foot: Right

Height: 1,70 m (5ft 6 in)

Who is he?

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Julián Álvarez is a 21-year-old Argentinian striker currently playing for River Plate in the Argentinian Primera division. The youngster joined River Plate in July 2015 at the age of 15 and made his first-team debut for the club in 2018. Alvarez has since gone on to make 96 appearances, scoring 36 times and picking up 28 assists for Los Millonarios. He also made his debut for the Argentina senior team in June 2021 and has five international caps to his name. His performances have caught the attention of many top European clubs including the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United. The ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano has reported that the Red Devils have scouted Álvarez with other reports suggesting that United have enquired about him.

Strengths

Álvarez is the complete striker. He’s quick, composed in front of goal, predominantly right-footed but still very good with his left and very skillful. He can also create a goal out of nothing due to his impressive shooting ability from outside the box. Despite not being the tallest, he’s also got decent aerial ability meaning he can pose a threat from offensive set-pieces as well as crosses into the box. Álvarez is also a creator, so far in the Argentine first division, he’s picked up 6 assists, has created 9 big chances and averages 2.1 key passes per 90. His versatility is also another impressive attribute. He’s mainly a striker but can also play on the left and right-wing.

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He has had a breakthrough season this year at River Plate scoring 18 times and managing 6 assists in just 21 games in the Argentine first division averaging a goal or assist every 67 minutes. Absolutely outstanding numbers especially for someone of his age.

Álvarez has had the obvious comparisons of any breakthrough diminutive Argentinian player likening him to Lionel Messi. However, the forward more accurately displays a gait similar to that of Sergio Aguero or Lauturo Martinez or indeed some fusion of the two.

Weaknesses

Álvarez really doesn’t have any major weakness to his game however the main thing he should work on is his decision making as at times it lets him down. It’s key to remember though that he is only 21 years of age and this is likely to improve as he becomes more experienced.

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Also, while the transition from Argentinian football to the Premier League is a well-trodden path with the likes of Carlos Teves doing so excellently in the past, it’s also important to remember that some adaptation will likely be needed. Physically he isn’t the most imposing figure and the likes of Teves and Aguero that have been mentioned made up for what they lacked in height with relentless strength and battling nature. Álvarez will likely have to develop this side of his game which is again still possible at his still tender age.

Where would he fit in?

The Argentinian forward would add to all the young attacking talent Manchester United have with the likes of Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and others. With rumours circulating surrounding the futures of Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial in January and Cristiano Ronaldo now coming towards the end of his career, Álvarez could be an attacking option for many years to come.

His ability to play on the wing is also useful making him fluid and interchangeable, something that Rangnick clearly favours. He’d be a similar type of signing to Facundo Pellistr being young, well scouted and South American. However, he is older, had more time in first-team football, and has put up incredible numbers this season. Similar to Pellistri though, if United were to sign him, he could initially go out on loan, ideally to an English club, to gain experience.

Verdict

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Álvarez is a top talent. He’s been heavily linked to many top European clubs over the last few weeks and is certainly a player United are scouting and keeping an eye on. He has reportedly got a release clause of around £17 million and his current contract at River Plate expires at the end of 2022. If United do sign him, it will probably be in the summer with Fabrizio Romano reporting the club are focused on signings for the summer and not for January. However, if United do want Álvarez they might have to act in January.

Based on reports, it looks likely he could depart Argentina in January so United will have to decide whether to take the risk and sign him or whether to pass up on the opportunity to sign a potential future superstar. Álvarez has had a brilliant season so far and has proved himself in Argentina. He’s now almost 22 and now would be the perfect time to make the move to Europe.