“When Julian Alvarez joined Manchester City just over a year ago, the incredible 12 months that followed were beyond anyone’s expectations.
Arriving at the Etihad in January 2022, he officially became a part of the Blues that summer. In that short time span, he managed to secure victories in the World Cup, Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup – a remarkable trophy collection that most clubs would envy. However, this success may have its consequences.
At the age of 23, Alvarez has assumed a pivotal role at City this season, often pairing up with Erling Haaland instead of being a substitute for the Norwegian star. As a result, Alvarez has been accumulating numerous matches and minutes on the field.
Considering his international commitments and the circumstances of his transfer to City last year, the club must carefully manage the young forward. Recent data from FIFPro, released last month, showed that Alvarez played 66 games from September 2022 to September 2023, ranking him tenth on the list. Remarkably, he was one of four City players in the top 10, alongside Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and Manuel Akanji.
The physical demands of elite football necessitate continuous monitoring and assessment of these players throughout the season. The physical nature of the Premier League adds to the strain on their bodies.
However, Alvarez faces the added challenge of playing non-stop throughout 2022 due to his mid-year move from River Plate to City. After a brief three-week break in July, he participated in Argentina’s World Cup triumph during the winter. A season like no other evolved into two exceptional years as Alvarez returned to club duty after just a week’s rest following the World Cup victory over France in December. The subsequent summer offered only a short preseason, and since February 2022, he has been involved in an astonishing 105 matches. Bernardo Silva has played an equal number of games in that period, but at least he had a summer break last year. Rodri, on the other hand, managed 103 matches over the same timeframe.
This immense workload is something City, who typically operate with a relatively small squad under Pep Guardiola, must be mindful of as they continue their quest for trophies.”