“He is not looking like that player” - Pundit hits out at former Manchester City star Julian Alvarez over poor form in La Liga

Football pundit Alvaro Benito has taken stock of Julian Alvarez's low-scoring form at Atletico Madrid. The Argentinian forward has netted only once in seven appearances since joining the Rojiblancos from Manchester City earlier this summer for a reported fee of €95 million.

Benito critiqued Alvarez's start to life at the Wanda Metropolitano, although adding that the striker needs more time. He said (via Football Espana):

“We have to give him more chances, but we also have to see reality. He has been below expectations. We are talking about a striker of the highest level. I look at the ideas that a player has in the plays, in the technical gestures."

Benito added:

“At the moment, he leaves me a lot to be desired. Of course you have to give him time because he is a top striker, but at the moment he is not looking like that player.”

Alvarez registered 19 goals and 13 assists in 54 games last season across 3,481 minutes of action. It effectively meant that the Argentinian forward made a goal contribution approximately every 109 minutes.

Conor Gallagher enjoying life at Atletico Madrid

While Alvarez is yet to find his feet in Spain, Atletico Madrid's other new signing Conor Gallagher has warmed to the task rather quickly. The former Chelsea player has drawn praise from manager Diego Simeone for his performances.

The Atletico Madrid head coach said in a post-match press conference (via Metro):

"He came with a lot of enthusiasm, and we needed that kind of player in the midfield because he makes us better. He does not stop giving his best in every game situation in which he participates."

Gallagher has now scored twice in five games for his new club, most recently to salvage a point against Rayo Vallecano. The midfielder, who has earned the nickname 'pitbull' for his immense tenacity to chase every ball, appears to be a dream player for Simeone, who likes for his players to leave everything on the pitch.

Gallagher said he enjoyed the nickname, telling The Athletic (via TalkSport):

“I think that (the pitbull nickname) was something Atletico made up. Some people in England call me a dog, because of how I play on the pitch. Sometimes I just run after every ball, like a dog does in the park. It kind of stuck. (Atletico) took it from there. I don’t mind. I take it as a compliment.”

Atletico Madrid reportedly paid Chelsea a final fee of £36 million for the services of Gallagher, who had previously spent 18 years at Cobham.