With both De Bruyne and Haaland returning, City are World Champions and have the Premier League title in their own hands.
Phil Foden is getting the plaudits for his exceptional form at number ten - but Alvarez has arguably been City's more important deputy. To be able to ease the burden of De Bruyne's loss, and then Haaland's, is no mean feat. They are not only the best two players at City, but arguably the best two players in the world.
It's noticeable that Alvarez has adapted his game whether at number nine or ten, acting as City's world-class chameleon for the first half of the season. He may lose his place when everyone is fit, but has already played a key part in getting the Blues through their injury crisis in 2023.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Only conquering the world will do this time
THE Red Roses travelled to the World Cup in New Zealand in 2022 as the world's dominant side, having lost just two games in the previous four years.
Can England finally end a Down Under drought?
NOT SINCE 2011 HAS AN AWAY TEAM RETURNED WITH AN ASHES VICTORY...
GOAL HERO: WE BELIEVE IN AMORIM
LISANDRO Martinez 'believes a lot' in Ruben Amorim and his United coaching staff.
Salford keep up winning run ahead of City FA Cup clash
KARL Robinson enjoyed his Salford side making it six wins on the spin as they beat MK Dons 1-0 at Stadium MK.
Challinor's blast for 'shambolic' Hatters
STOCKPORT manager Dave Challinor described some of his side's defending as 'shambolic' during the 2-1 home defeat against Mansfield Town.
Amorim says performance all in the mind
RUBEN Amorim believes a mentality shift was behind United's admirable performance in their 2-2 draw with Liverpool.
Boss: Josh made perfect decision with pass for late chance
UNITED head coach Ruben Amorim felt Joshua Zirkzee made the 'perfect decision' to square the ball to Harry Maguire for a match-winning chance at Liverpool.
Bruno upset Reds can't play like this every week
BRUNO Fernandes has questioned why United can't perform like they did against Liverpool on a consistent basis.
Business as usual for Blues says KDB
KEVIN de Bruyne feels City are getting back on the right track after securing back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time in three months.
Pep wants more from vintage Sav
SAVINHO is an 'old fashioned vintage' winger who gives City a perfect provider for Erling Haaland, Pep Guardiola says.