By Kevin Campbell

16th Dec, 2022 | 5:10am

Expert suggests Man City have 'big problem' with Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez

Julian Alvarez will not be able to partner up with Erling Haaland at Man City despite his success alongside Lionel Messi with Argentina.

That is according to the Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, as he insisted the 22-year-old will have to “bide his time” before getting a run of games for Pep Guardiola’s men.

Alvarez has been key to Argentina’s run to the World Cup final – scoring four goals and claiming one assist in six appearances.

The striker has had a bright start to life since joining Man City in the summer, scoring seven goals in 20 appearances.

However, he has made just eight starts – playing a total of 890 minutes.

Meanwhile, Haaland has notched 23 goals in 18 games to announce himself as a force to be reckoned with in English football.

When asked if Alvarez could strike up a partnership with Haaland at City, Campbell told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury:“There’s one big problem. Alvarez is playing with Messi.

“Messi allows him to lead the line, play on the shoulder – because Messi likes to link midfield and drift.

“But Haaland likes to be that main guy, so Alvarez would have to do the foraging in behind him.

“It’s a totally different ask. And when you look at the players who are in those areas for City at the moment, it’s Kevin De Bruyne, it’s Phil Foden.

“Alvarez will have to bide his time. He’s doing well for Argentina, but it’s just unfortunate that he is behind Haaland in that pecking order.”

In other news, pundit verdict on Pep Guardiola potentially quitting Man City after deal agreed.