Julian Alvarez tipped for Barcelona transfer over anger at Diego Simeone as Atletico Madrid forward 'never' used in the right position

The Argentine, who joined Atletico a year ago from Manchester City in a deal worth up to £82 million (€95m), has not had the smoothest start this season. A missed penalty against Mallorca and his frustrated reaction after being subbed told the story of his frustrations under Simeone. With Atletico sitting 12th in La Liga after five games and just one win, the Argentine manager's system is facing more and more questions.

Alvarez’s first coach, Varas, told AS that the striker has not been used properly, saying: "I don't see him comfortable at Atletico. I think he's played a lot of games on the wing, he's never played in the position he should be playing. I know he's told his family that he's focused on the team, he plans to play and do well, and his goal is to continue being the national team's No. 9. Today, Atletico is a team that defends a lot and attacks little. I see him more as a passer than a finisher. He's scoring goals from free kicks or outside the box. The team isn't getting much forward for Julian to be the No. 9 he scored goals for River."

Varas also suggested that a change could be on the horizon, either with Simeone or with Alvarez himself. 

"I think there will be a change at some point, either of the manager or the manager himself. Someone just told me he should go to Barcelona, and the truth is he's not at Barcelona because he didn't put in the money he should have. He would leave because he's always been a Barcelona fan. I'd like him to play for Real Madrid," he added.

The 25-year-old, who scored 29 goals in all competitions last season, got the new campaign off to a bright start individually by scoring in the first La Liga game against Espanyol, though Simeone's men went on to lose 2-1. He failed to find the net in the next three games and, a week after he was taken off at half-time against Villarreal, he was subbed again after an hour in the weekend's draw with Mallorca. His replacement, Alexander Sorloth, was sent off within 10 minutes.

Los Rojiblancos will look to turn things around when they face Rayo Vallecano tonight before hosting city rivals Real Madrid on Saturday in a huge test. All eyes will be on the Argentine striker, who is still searching for consistency this season and the right role under Simeone, as he looks to further improve on last season’s performance.