Guardiola hails ‘unbelievable’ Álvarez as Haaland returns

Pep Guardiola says Julián Álvarez is already one of the best players in the world after scoring twice to help Manchester City win 3-1 against Burnley.

Álvarez has scored 15 goals for the season, just two fewer than last season, with a first-half brace at the Etihad Stadium.

– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (US)

The striker, who turned 24 on Wednesday, has won the Premier League title, Champions League and World Cup during his short career and Guardiola believes he has already established himself as one of best in the world.

“For his age, for the numbers in the Premier League, for what he gives to the team, he is unbelievable,” Guardiola said.

“He's a world champion who plays alongside [Leo] Messi, [Ángel] Di María and Enzo Fernández. If you're not good, you can't play on this team. He can play three different positions and he has an incredible sense of intensity to run. He's really good.”

Álvarez's contribution was one of the many positives for Guardiola, who was able to give Kevin De Bruyne a first start since the opening day of the season.

With the game won in the second half, the City manager was also able to bring on Erling Haaland for his first appearance in two months following a foot injury.

“If it was 7-0 at halftime, he would have played more minutes,” Guardiola said.

“If it was 0-0, maybe he wouldn't have played a minute. I saw him alive, the feeling that he was there.

“He didn't have any clear chances but he had three or four when Jérémy's control [Doku] I haven't seen him but he can score with his quality.

“It's been really good without him the last couple of months, but with him we're a better team and we're really happy he's back.”