Julian Alvarez was once again introduced from the bench in the second half of Argentina’s 2-0 win over Mexico, but the 22-year-old didn’t have the desired impact in Saturday’s World Cup group game and won’t be pleased with how his campaign is going.
Alvarez has made two appearances for Argentina at the World Cup, amassing 58 minutes of football while failing to score or make an assist. He’s completed just seven passes, failed to create a chance, won just one foul, failed to make a successful dribble, made two tackles and failed to whip in an accurate cross.
The 22-year-old has scored three goals from 14 appearances for Argentina, finding the back of the net in September’s friendly win over Jamaica and in a friendly win over UAE just days before his side’s opening World Cup clash.
Alvarez has been used on the left flank and up front, but he’s not likely to start in either role with Angel Di Maria, Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez for competition. The Argentine has the faith from his manager but needs to deliver otherwise he risks being left on the bench in their next game.
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