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 January 11, 2024 edition of Manchester Evening News.
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 January 11, 2024 edition of Manchester Evening News.
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
Liverpool skipper slams disrespect shown to United
LIVERPOOL captain Virgil van Dijk said he felt United had been disrespected in the build-up to Sunday's 2-2 draw at Anfield - and pointed to a question asked at Arne Slot's pre-match press conference as evidence.
Real show of grit in snow, slush and ice
WE have become accustomed to seeing slumped shoulders, heads bowed and no communication when United concede. At Anfield, it was different.
Ammies stopper ready for Etihad FA Cup audition
WHEN Salford City line up against City on Saturday evening in the FA Cup third round, all eyes will be on Ammies goalkeeper Matty Young to see if he can keep the Premier League champions at bay.
Why fan the flames with loyal support?
OH, Kevin de Bruyne. It's what the City vice-captain hears at the Etihad multiple times during a match as fans serenade one of the best players they have ever seen.
Sav's support act is feeding Haaland goals
PEP Guardiola smiled recently when it was put to him that City could play a false nine with Erling Haaland.
Golden first for Moore
DEMI Moore gave an impassioned speech as she won her first acting award at the Golden Globes in a ceremony which also saw films The Brutalist and Emilia Perez triumph.
It could all end in tiers as Test plans make return
PROPOSALS to split Test cricket into a two-tier system, with England, Australia and India at the centre, are reportedly back on the agenda.
Jewellery chains owner cuts losses despite revenue drop
THE firm behind high street jewellers H Samuel and Ernest Jones has managed to significantly reduce its losses, despite witnessing a nearly £40m drop in sales during its most recent financial year.
Minister probed over properties
TREASURY minister Tulip Siddiq has referred herself to the Prime Minister's ethics tsar after controversies over properties linked to her family and her aunt's political movement in Bangladesh.
Little cheer for retail businesses
THE crucial \"golden quarter\" failed to give retailers the send-off to 2024 they were hoping for, after a year marked by weak consumer confidence, newly published figures show.
