Exciting Julian Alvarez verdict as Emi Martinez backs new Man City striker to become a ‘superstar’

Emi Martinez has made a big prediction about new Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez as the duo prepare to represent Argentina.

Alvarez made headlines recently by scoring six goals in a single Copa Libertadores game. The 22-year-old is excelling with River Plate ahead of his move to Manchester City in the summer.

Pep Guardiola’s side paid just over £14million to capture Alvarez. And it looks like a great piece of business, with the goalscorer seemingly on his way to the very top.

Manchester City will benefit from having Erling Haaland up front next season, following his move from Borussia Dortmund.

But Alvarez could push the Norwegian for his starting spot if he begins to shine in England.

The attacker has made seven appearances for Argentina so far, netting one goal in that time. He could add to this tally when Argentina come up against Italy on Wednesday.

Goalkeeper Martinez is likely to start in that game. And prior to the clash, he heaped praise on Alvarez.

“We know how talented he is. Obviously I wanted him to come to Villa, to be fair,” Martinez said (via BT Sport).

Martinez backs Julian Alvarez to reach ‘superstar’ status

“I told him before the Copa America to join us. He is a top lad, very humble, a hard worker and I believe he’s going to be a superstar.”

Alvarez is following in the footsteps of City legend Sergio Aguero. “Obviously, it’s hard to compare him to Aguero,” Martinez added.

“He’s got a lot to prove but he’s going to work with one of the best managers in the world right now (Pep Guardiola).

“He’s very loyal to the team when he’s there so I believe he’s going to make it.”

Martinez also reacted to concerns about his fitness. He was absent for Villa’s final game of the season due to a knee problem.

When asked about a potential operation, the shot-stopper said: “I don’t need anything. There is a bit of pain but I’ve had it since I was 17.

“I’ve been playing for two or three years without stopping but I have been discussing it with the doctors at the national team and I will be back for pre-season with Aston Villa on July 7. I’m absolutely fine.”

Martinez’s comments on Alvarez show just how highly rated he is among the Argentina camp.

And City chiefs will also be impressed by his deadly form in South America with River Plate.

Clearly, it will be tough to get ahead of Haaland in Guardiola’s pecking order. But Alvarez certainly has the attributes to make his mark in the Premier League.

It will be interesting to see if Guardiola ends up playing two strikers to accommodate both players.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid and Chelsea are reportedly looking at capturing a winger from City.