Former Barcelona striker backs Julian Alvarez as an ideal fit for the club | OneFootball

Javier Saviola knows what it means for an Argentine forward to play at FC Barcelona, and he believes Julian Alvarez has the right profile to succeed at Camp Nou.

The former Barca striker has praised the Atletico Madrid forward at a time when his name continues to be linked with the Catalan club in the summer market.

As quoted by Mundo Deportivo, Saviola said:

“Barca is the ideal place for Julian Alvarez. He is not the typical lethal goalscorer. I see him as very complete, he can play as a winger, as a playmaker, as an attacking midfielder… You do not only see the goalscorer, you see that he is technically very good.”

Why Alvarez makes tactical sense for Barca

Saviola believes Alvarez could improve in Barcelona’s system because of the players around him. He said:

“Barca is the ideal team, it can allow him to get more involved in play, he would be surrounded by great players, giving a very high performance.”

Alvarez is not a pure Robert Lewandowski replacement in profile. As Saviola explained, Lewandowski is more of a decisive number nine, while the Argentine forward offers movement, pressing, combination play, and flexibility.

Saviola also said he likes Alvarez “as an attacking midfielder” because “he knows when he has to drop to look for the ball, he is very intelligent, decisive and complete, there he accelerates, turns very quickly and has very good control and handling of the ball.”

For Barcelona, that is the attraction. Hansi Flick needs forwards who can attack space but also connect with midfielders like Pedri, Gavi, and Dani Olmo.

Alvarez could play as a false nine, second striker, or wider forward depending on the match. That versatility would give Barca options without making the attack predictable.

Of course, signing him from Atletico would be extremely difficult. Saviola’s view largely resonates with that of most Barca fans, and it remains to be seen whether Alvarez wears the Blaugrana next season.