Manchester City new boy Julian Alvarez earned himself the nickname ‘Spider’ during his youth career, and the reason behind it will have fans hyped about his arrival in the Premier League
Manchester City new boy Julian Alvarez has a nickname which will have fans hyped about his arrival in the Premier League.
The 22-year-old striker was confirmed to have agreed a five-and-a-half year deal with Pep Guardiola’s side in a reported £14m transfer on Deadline Day.
While he will remain with River Plate on loan until at least July, Alvarez looks to be a signing which City will thank themselves for in years to come.
He has burst onto the scene in his native Argentina after a rapid progression in his footballing abilities as a youngster which earned him his nickname ‘Spider’.
Manchester City new boy Julian Alvarez is nicknamed ‘Spider’ (Image: Getty Images)
As per The Mirror, the term stuck after one of his siblings said “when he played football, it was like he had more than two legs”.
In fact, Alvarez has been kicking a ball since he was a toddler who had just learned to walk.
His innate skill was immediately spotted by local football coach Rafael Varas who knew he had a talent on his hands.
Varas recalled: “Julian was always with a ball and even then he was like the person he is today, only in miniature.
Alvarez has five caps for Argentina (Image: Getty Images)
“He is a very quiet person, very responsible and focused. Playing football has always been so natural to him.
“I remember one goal, when he was about eight or nine, when he beat four or five rivals and scored a rabona goal.
“That’s when I realised we had a different kind of player, who could be a world star.
“I was not his teacher. How can you teach a player like Julian? You can only advise.”
Pep Guardiola finally has his Sergio Aguero replacement
Alvarez was targeted by Real Madrid at the age of 11, but he turned them down after a trial because it would’ve meant his whole family moving to Europe.
After continuing his development with River in the coming months he will finally make that move later this year.
He has already picked up five caps for his country and looks set to be City’s replacement for his compatriot Sergio Aguero.
