Argentine striker Julian Alvarez has agreed to join Manchester City from South American giants River Plate. The 22-year-old signed a five-year contract with the club earlier this year and will join Pep Guardiola’s squad for the 2022/23 season. We’ve covered some interesting facts about him that you probably didn’t know before for his massive fan base.

8 Things You Didn’t Know About Julian Alvarez

1. The Little Spider

Julian was given the nickname “La Aranita” (the little spider) during his formative years in youth football. The way he celebrates scoring and the spider man mask he wore during a team celebration was both indicators.

2. Gave Trials For Real Madrid At The Age Of 12

Julian Alvarez traveled to Spain at the age of 11 for a trial at Real Madrid’s La Fabrica football academy. He performed admirably at the trials and even scored two goals for Real Madrid’s youth team in a tournament. But, sadly, he was not accepted. As the rules for signing young players in Spain, foreign players must be at least 13 years old. ^[1]

3. Versatile Player

During the recent Primera Division season, our Argentine wonder kid played primarily as a forward. Gallardo used him as a center-forward, second striker, winger, and even attacking midfielder. Because of his versatility, this kid could play anywhere up front, which would be ideal for a league like the Premier League.

4. Doesn’t Come From An Athletic Family

Julian, like many footballers, comes from a low-income family. His father worked for a cereal company, and his mother taught kindergarten in Argentina.

5. Made A South American History

Alvarez made South American history by becoming only the second player to score six goals in a Libertadores match, and the first River player to do so.

6. Fan Of Barcelona And Manchester Team

The player stated that he admires the way Manchester City players play and even has them as his PlayStation team. He also mentioned Barcelona as another team he frequently used.

7. On His 22nd Birthday, Manchester City Confirmed His Contract

On January 31, 2022, his 22nd birthday, it was announced that Alvarez had signed a five-and-a-half-year contract with Premier League champions Manchester City, with the player remaining at River Plate on loan until July. ^[2]

8. Gonzalo Higuain Praises Him

Gonzalo Higuain is credited with being Julian Alvarez’s childhood idol. After witnessing Julian’s incredible performances in South American football, the former even had kind words and encouraged him. ^[3]