Sport Features

MANCHESTER CITY are on the verge of signing Argentina superstar Julian Alvarez from River Plate.The Premier League giants will pay around £20million for the talented forward, 21, beating a host of Europe’s top clubs for his signature.
River Plate sensation Julian Alvarez is set to sign for Man City, according to reportsCredit: Getty
Rated as the best player to come out of South America since Neymar, Alvarez could have already been plying his trade in LaLiga.
As a youngster Alvarez trialled with Real Madrid aged 11. However, rules permitted Los Blancos from adding him to their academy.
Instead, he rose through the ranks in his homeland at River, won the Copa Libertadores, and was last season’s top scorer in the Argentine Primera Division.
It’s not wonder he has been called the heir apparent to City legend Sergio Aguero, who recently retired.
And he even fancies himself as a singer – recently joining his favourite band Los Caligaris on stage at a show in Buenos Aires.
Early praise
From a young age, growing up in the northern town of Calchin in the Argentinian province of Cordoba, Alvarez appeared to have a natural ability.
He started out at his local club Atletico Calchin, before he embarked on a journey to find a professional club.
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Aged 11, Alvarez was training at Real MadridCredit: Instagram @juliaanalvarez
After a trial with Boca Juniors, River’s fierce rivals, he went to Spain with Real Madrid keen on him.
Back in 2011, he played in a youth tournament for them and scored twice. They were keen to keep tabs on him, but signing Alvarez would prove impossible.
Also, with the issue of his family being settled in Argentina, Alvarez didn’t want to be separated from his bloodline.
“I was playing children’s championships at Real Madrid, I was 11 years old but only at 13 Real Madrid could sign me definitively at the club,” he told Argentinian newspaper Clarin.
“To do it at that time, my whole family had to move and we had to settle there. I went back to Cordoba.”
With the support of his family, Alvarez rose through the ranks at River Plate
River calling
In 2016, Alvarez joined River Plate and played in the now defunct Generation Adidas Cup – a tournament that serves as a springboard for the stars of tomorrow.
Spearheading their attack, it was no surprise River won the competition that year and in 2017.
Already, there were glowing reports about the teenager being fed to first team coach Marcelo Gallardo.
In 2018, he was handed his debut coming on as a substitute for the final half an hour in a 1-0 Primera Division win against Aldosivi.
Just a few months later, he came off the bench against Boca Juniors in the Copa Libertadores final.
Not only did he win plaudits, he also got his hands on his first piece of silverware as River saw off Boca 5-3 on aggregate.
But it wasn’t until 2019 that Alvarez could celebrate his first goal in the famous red and white shirt – scoring in the 3-0 win over Independiente. A star was born.
Alvarez forced his way into River Plate’s line-up in 2018Credit: Getty
By 2020, Alvarez found himself regularly on the scoresheet for the Argentinian giantsCredit: Getty
Gallardo made him a star
Under the enigmatic Argentinian coach Gallardo, who draws comparisons to Pep Guardiola in South America for his coaching methods, Alvarez’s game has improved ten fold.
In 2020, he became a goalscoring machine – scoring five goals in six Copa Libertadores group stage games.
It was form that saw Alvarez force his way into the manager’s eleven as a main striker or playing on the flanks.
But, his 14 goal contributions in all competitions came with a warning. Could he repeat his success? Or would he prove to be a one-season wonder.
He didn’t just repeat it, he bettered it.
Elevating his game to new heights, he was the Primera Division’s top scorer with a lethal 18 strikes in just 21 games last campaign.
River Plate landed the title thanks to Alvarez’s goals and were indebted to the youngster.
He was also handed the South American Footballer of the Year Award, joining the likes of Pele, Diego Maradona and Neymar.
In 2021 Alvarez celebrated lifting the Copa AmericaCredit: Instagram @juliaanalvarez
At this year’s World Cup, Alvarez is expected to be a big player for ArgentinaCredit: AFP
Alvarez joined Los Caligaris on stage in Buenos Aires to singCredit: Twitter @golazoargentino
His star has risen to the point where pop bands now want him as part of their act.
Over the weekend, he joined popular group Los Caligaris at a concert at the Tecnopolis music venue.
Watching them from the side of the stage, he was soon handed a microphone to help sing along to their hit Razon.
At the Qatar World Cup 2022 in December, Alvarez is also expected to take centre stage and showcase his talents to a wider audience – having already helped his country win the 2021 Copa America.
Should he excel, he will have City fans licking their lips in anticipation for his arrival. More

OUTFIELD football stars volunteering to become an emergency goalkeeper  was fairly commonplace in the 1970s and 80s, but these days it’s a rare sight.With at least one goalkeeper on the subs’ bench, the chances for an outfield player to pull on the gloves are few and far between.
Who remembers when Harry Kane played in goal for Tottenham?Credit: AFP – Getty
But every now and then, it still happens – and fans love it.
Here are some of the most memorable times in recent memoryDani Alves for PSG v Sochaux, 2018
Brazil hero Dani Alves showed no fear in going in goal for Paris Saint-Germain in 2o18.
Standing at just 5ft 6ins, the usual full-back seemed almost eager to replace Kevin Trapp between the sticks after the goalkeeper was sent-off.
It might be because the French giants were already cruising 4-1 in the Coup de France against Sochaux,.
But he did have to face a dangerous free-kick immediately.
That was blasted into the wall, and seconds later the whistle was blown.
But while Alves’ spell in goal proved short, sweet and uneventful, other outfield players have had a much busier time of it when thrust in an alien position.
Dani Alves didn’t have a lot to do when he took on the gloves for PSGCredit: Getty
Harry Kane for Tottenham vs Asteras Tripoli, 2014
Tottenham were coasting with the scoreline reading 5-0, and Harry Kane had already scored a hat-trick in the Europa League clash.

But despite scoring a treble in the thrashing, Kane may be remembered for a blooper when he went in goal.
Hugo Lloris was shown a straight red card for bringing down Tasos Tsokanis in the dying moments, and Kane took on the gloves.
He then proceeded to let Jeronimo Barrales’ poor free-kick squirm under his body, and the Greeks had finally got on the board at 5-1.
Speaking to ITV 4 after the thrashing, Kane said: “It was a great night until I went in goal.
“In fairness I think I’ll leave that to the keepers from now on.”
This was the moment Harry Kane conceded a tame goal when he donned the goalie glovesCredit: AFP – Getty
But Harry Kane could be forgiven, he had earlier banged a hat-trick in the Europa League tieCredit: Getty Images – Getty

John Terry for Chelsea vs Reading, 2006
The game will be remembered with horror by fans of both these clubs, and the wider footballing world.
With less than 20 SECONDS on the clock, Reading striker Stephen Hunt collided with Chelsea keeper Petr Cech when going for the ball, and the keeper suffered a serious head injury.
Carlo Cudicini was introduced to replace him, but ended up being stretchered  off on the stroke of full-time.
The Italian left the pitch in a neck brace and Chelsea’s ‘captain, leader, legend’ John Terry went in goal.
He saw out the rest of the game without conceding.
But the game will be remembered for the horror injury that means Cech has to wear a protective helmet to this day.
John Terry was forced in goal when Petr Cech and Carlo Cudicini were both injuredCredit: Getty
The Chelsea legend didn’t concede a goal as Chelsea defeated ReadingCredit: Reuters
Rio Ferdinand for Man United vs Portsmouth 2008

Back in 2008 Man Utd and England legend Rio Ferdinand took the goalkeeper gloves when United were in dire straits.
Edwin Van der Sar had gone off injured in the FA Cup quarter-final clash against Portsmouth.

Then sub keeper Thomas Kusczak was sent off and Ferdinand’s first job was to save a Sulley Muntari penalty.
Although he guessed the right way, the Ghanaian’s spot-kick sneaked in past his out-stretched hand.
That goal 12 minutes from full-time dumped the Red Devils out of the famous old competition.
Rio Ferdinand came so close to saving Sulley Muntari’s penaltyCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Man United were dumped out of the FA Cup by Portsmouth – but it wasn’t Rio’s faultCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Glenn Hoddle for Tottenham vs Man United, 1980
The midfield maestro actually played in goal THREE times during his career with Spurs -and remarkably was never on the losing side.
As a footballer, Hoddle could clearly do no wrong.
Back in 1980, Spurs keeper Milija Aleksic collided with Man United striker Joe Jordan, suffering a broken jaw, and Hoddle was thrust the gloves.
Time and time again he won the aerial duel with a bustling Jordan, while Spurs tried their best to prevent shots being peppered at him.
The FA Cup game went into extra-time with the score tied at 0-0.
But with just two minutes of time remaining Spurs forward Ossie Ardiles curled home a beauty, ran to celebrate with Hoddle, and the game was over.
Glenn Hoddle played in goal three times for Spurs, and was never on the losing sideCredit: YouTube
Niall Quinn for Man City vs Derby, 1991
Centre forward Niall Quinn had already scored once against Derby for Manchester City, and he looked a good bet to add some more goals to his name.
But then No1 Tony Coton was sent off, it was 6ft 4in  Quinn, who donned the gloves in the time of need.
And it couldn’t have gone better.
The Irishman saved Dean Saunders’ penalty and City went on to win the game thanks to his goal.
Niall Quinn donned the goalkeeper gloves – then saved Dean Saunders’ penaltyCredit: Alamy
Niall Quinn had earlier scored his 20th goal of the seasonCredit: Alamy

David Webb for Chelsea vs Ipswich, 1971
Chelsea were left in a right pickle for their league clash against Ipswich.
Regular No1 Peter Bonetti was injured in the previous game, and with his understudy John Phillips also out with injury, club official tried desperately to recall Steve Sherwood from his Christmas break in Yorkshire.
But he got stuck in traffic on the M1, so the gloves were passed to David Webb – to play the FULL game in goal.
He had replaced Bonetti between the sticks in the previous game against Coventry – and obviously impressed enough.
Incredibly, the defender kept a clean-sheet on the mudbath of a pitch, and Chelsea won 2-0.
David Webb was swapped from defence to goalkeeper for Chelsea – and it didn’t turn out too badCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Cosmin Moti, for Ludogorets vs Steaua Bucharest, 2014
Cosmin Moti will go down in Ludogorets folklore for single-handedly making history.
The Bulgarians were playing Steaua Bucharest in a Champions League play-off, and with the teams set to head into a penalty shoot-out, tied at 1-1, Ludogorets keeper Vladislav Stoyanov was sent off.
Centre-half Moti took over in goal – and ended up being the hero.
He scored his side’s first goal in the shoot-out, then saved two Steaua penalties to send the minnows into the Champions League for the first time in their history.Keys of Ludogorets, surely?
Cosmin Moti could barely believe he had led Ludogorets into the Champions LeagueCredit: EPA
The defender first scored a penalty, and then saved two of the opposition’s to go down in the record booksCredit: EPA More

SERIAL winner Cristiano Ronaldo threw the most almighty strop when he was hauled off in Manchester United’s 3-1 win over Brentford.The Portuguese superstar, 36, gave boss Ralf Rangnick a cursory glance, while muttering and then slamming his coat to the ground as he was subbed off after a disappointing performance.
Cristiano Ronaldo was furious to be subbed off by Ralf RangnickCredit: AFP
Latest reports claim the ex-Real Madrid forward is frustrated with life at Old Trafford, which could explain why he showed his anger with the German tactician’s decision to remove him from the action.
Ronaldo, though, isn’t the only superstar to show his anger after being taken off. Here’s seven who couldn’t contain their emotions.
Lionel Messi
LAST September, Mauricio Pochettino replaced talisman Lionel Messi with Mauro Icardi with 15 minutes left on his debut against Lyon.
To soften the blow, the ex-Spurs manager extended his hand as the Argentine legend trudged off the pitch.
But Messi snubbed his handshake, gave Poch a dirty look and shook his head as he sat on the bench for the remainder of the match. To make matters worse, Icardi netted the winner.
Lionel Messi gives boss Mauricio Pochettino a cursory glanceCredit: AP
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Mesut Ozil
BACK in 2019, when his Arsenal career was beginning to come to an end, Ozil took his issues out on a water bottle.
Interim boss Freddie Ljungberg made the call, subbing the German playmaker in a Premier League game against Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium.
Players and staff looked on as Ozil’s moment of petulance showed what was about to come when Mikel Arteta took over the reigns and booted him out.
Mesut Ozil booted a water bottle after he was taken off against Man CityCredit: AFP or licensors
Kylian Mbappe
PLAYING under Thomas Tuchel can be a tough experience, with the disciplinarian regularly keeping his players on their toes with a strict regime.
The France international was often sacrificed by his manager when games were seemingly won, irking the World Cup winner.
In the 68th minute, Mbappe’s race was run during the 5-0 win over Montpellier in 2020, according to his gaffer.
As he came off, Tuchel explained his decision to the forward, who talked things over his boss, then went to sulk on the bench.
Kylian Mbappe went to sulk on the bench after disagreeing with Thomas Tuchel’s decisionCredit: Reuters
Granit Xhaka
AFTER having an absolute stinker against Crystal Palace in 2019, the then Arsenal captain was taken off at the Emirates Stadium to a chorus of boos from the home fans.
He waved his arms in the air in fury at the reaction, told the crowd to “f*** off” and threw his shirt to the ground before going down the tunnel.
As a result, he was stripped of the captaincy by Unai Emery.
Granit Xhaka stormed off the Emirates Stadium pitch to a chorus of boos by home fansCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Sergio Aguero
MANCHESTER CITY’s record scorer didn’t always see eye-to-eye with Pep Guardiola.
During a game against Spurs, the Spaniard wanted something different upfront and brought on Gabriel Jesus in place of the Argie on the hour mark. Aguero was livid and let him know about it as the pair aired an angry exchange in public.
“That’s normal,” Guardiola said after the final whistle.
“The players want to play and I can understand him. He is a top player. But at that moment I needed a little more energy with Gabriel in that position. That is why I decided to take a decision.”
Sergio Aguero was livid with Pep Guardiola for subbing him offCredit: Reuters
Gonzalo Higuain
MAURIZIO SARRI and Gonzalo Higuain had a strange relationship, but you can’t argue that the Italian got the best out of the striker.
The chain-smoking manager would regularly haul off the star and the pair would quarrel on the touchline.
Speaking of their strained relationship, Sarri revealed: “I don’t know why that is, but it’s always been the case. Maybe it’s because he needs a rather aggressive counterpoint to bring out the best in him.”
He added: “He needs pampering one day and beating against a wall the next! When he’s feeling down, he needs caring for.
“When he’s on a high, he must be brought down a peg because he can get too carried away.”
Gonzalo Higuain and Maurizio Sarri had a strained relationship through the yearsCredit: Getty
Lautaro Martinez
THE Inter Milan striker and former manager Antonio Conte had a furious bust-up last season when Martinez was substituted after coming on earlier in the game.
And he reacted in the worst possible way, taking his shirt off and throwing it to the ground in front of a fiery Conte.
According to Sky Sports in Italy, his manager shouted to Martinez: “Have respect! Who are you angry with? Never react like this again.”
Lautaro Martinez risked the wrath of Antonio Conte with his reaction at Inter MilanCredit: EPA More