Julián Álvarez has claimed victories in the World Cup, Copa América (twice), Copa Libertadores, the Champions League, two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup. The only major achievement eluding him is a Big Sports Day gold medal, as France eliminated Argentina from the competition in Paris following a fierce rivalry match. At just 24 years old, Álvarez’s impressive achievements undoubtedly mark him as an elite player. Nevertheless, he hasn’t quite lived up to Pep Guardiola’s expectations at Manchester City. Last season, he became the target of criticism from City fans, as he didn’t always fit into Guardiola’s tactical plans.
Given the amount of football he’s played without a summer break since 2020, fatigue might be a factor. He struggled to make an impact as a winger, a stand-in for Erling Haaland, or even in a deeper midfield role. Atlético Madrid clearly sees his potential, as they have offered £81.5 million for him. Diego Simeone has a knack for rejuvenating underperforming strikers, having successfully managed Antoine Griezmann, Diego Costa, Álvaro Morata, and Luis Suárez recently. Simeone prefers his forwards to be dynamic and proactive, waiting for chances while the rest of the team creates opportunities, a sentiment echoed by Scotland and Lions rugby legend Jim Telfer’s term “stoosh.”
This is where Conor Gallagher comes into play. Despite limited playing time at Euro 2024, he demonstrated a readiness to tackle anything in his path. Simeone has previously worked with hard-working Premier League players who possess technical skills, such as Kieran Trippier, who won La Liga, and Matt Doherty, who had less success. Gallagher leaves the Premier League with more regrets than Álvarez. He’s the latest casualty of Chelsea’s strategy of “pure profit” sales, which involves offloading youth products before they reach their full potential as a result of previous hasty transfer decisions. While past financially struggling versions of Chelsea had to part with players like Jimmy Greaves and Butch Wilkins, the 2024 Chelsea might have also sold Peter Osgood and John Terry.
Gallagher, a local talent from Surrey and Epsom Eagle, has been closely associated with Chelsea since his youth. However, he is being sold off prematurely, illustrating a system indifferent to individual stories. “It’s unfortunate because we like to see players remain with one club, but the rules have changed,” admitted Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s current manager, acknowledging the negative vibe of players being traded off like commodities. The football world continues its relentless cycle of discarding young talent.
RECOMMENDED LISTENING Tune into Max Rushden, Barry Glendenning, and the Football Weekly team as they preview the upcoming seasons in Serie A, La Liga, and the Bundesliga. Discover how Real Madrid will accommodate Kylian Mbappé and whether Harry Kane will finally secure a trophy.
NEWS, BITS, AND BOBS Crystal Palace has contributed to France’s success in the Big Sports Day, with Jean-Philippe Mateta scoring twice in their 3-1 victory over Egypt. They will face Spain in the final after Spain’s comeback win against Morocco.
Newcastle is optimistic about signing Marc Guéhi, planning to transfer £60 million to Crystal Palace for the England defender.
West Ham has acquired Argentina midfielder Guido Rodríguez on a free transfer.
Manchester United seems set for an exciting season if André Onana’s statements are any indication. “I will take many risks,” he declared. “I can tell you now. The best team in the world takes risks … I will shoulder a lot of responsibility and believe my back is strong enough for it.”
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RECOMMENDED READING David Squires offers his unique perspective on how Big Sports Day innovations could improve football.
Also, Big Website’s renowned cartoonist has a new book titled Chaos in the Box, covering events from 2018 to the 2024 Euros. Squires addresses pressing questions: Is Emo José Mourinho coping after another managerial stint? How many more teams will be bought by “benevolent” billionaires? Will Manchester City ever allow another team to win the Premier League? And how does FIFA continue to be comically ineffective? You can pre-order the book at the Guardian Bookshop for a special price of £11.99. Don’t miss out!