Julian Alvarez exclusive: The Viking & the Gladiator! What Argentine really thinks about Erling Haaland & why their little and large strike partnership is so devastating

Alvarez and Haaland both joined City in the summer of 2022, although the Argentine striker played second fiddle to the Norwegian for much of last season and had to make the most of his appearances from the substitutes' bench. But until Haaland picked up a foot injury in December against Aston Villa, the pair had started every league game together in 2023-24 and struck up a productive partnership.

"I think that we have demonstrated that together we can do very good things to help the team, you can see it on the pitch but the statistics show it too in terms of goals and assists," Alvarez told GOAL in an exclusive interview. "I always say that playing with the best players makes you better and Erling is one of them."

Alvarez and Haaland both made a special effort for City's Halloween party in their first season at the club. Haaland dressed up as a Viking while Alvarez came as a gladiator. "He looked great, it suited him very well," said the Argentina international of his strike partner.

Haaland and Alvarez have scored a combined 32 goals for City this season and contributed 12 assists. Haaland struck a record-breaking 52 goals in 53 games last season in all competitions, while Alvarez was the club's second-highest scorer, plundering 17 goals despite making only 23 starts.

Haaland is set to return to action on Wednesday against Burnley for the first time since injuring his foot away to Villa on December 6. His return is a huge boost to City as they look to chase down Premier League leaders Liverpool in the title race and comes just as Kevin De Bruyne is due to make his first start since tearing his hamstring in August.