Man City striker Julian Alvarez admits he is “surprised” at how much Pep Guardiola rotates in the starting XI

JULIAN ALVAREZ admitted he was “surprised” at how often Pep Guardiola hacks and changes his starting line-up.

The Manchester City striker, 23, has impressed since arriving from River Plate in a £14million deal last summer.

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And that despite the fact that goal machine Erling Haaland arrived at a similar time and Alvarez left the fight against the Norwegian for a starting place.

Guardiola’s tinkering means he’s not a regular starter, although Alvarez and Haaland have started together on occasion.

Speaking to GQ magazine at Adidas’ launch of the Speedportal boots, Alvarez explained: “Before I came here I knew Pep’s way of working, but even I was surprised at how much rotation there is.

“Pep almost never picks the same 11 in consecutive games – they make sure you’re always alert and 100 per cent so you know you’re ready to perform when your time comes and you’re available stand managers.”

Alvarez has made 26 appearances in all competitions this season and has scored an impressive nine goals.

But only 11 of them were there from the start.

However, the Argentine world champion is fully focused on the rest of the season and trying to show as much as possible.

He added: “After the World Cup I had a few days to celebrate and spend time with my family and friends.

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“As soon as it came time to return to the club, I changed my focus.

“In terms of what I want to achieve this season, I want to be at 100 per cent and play as many games as possible and help out wherever I can.

“Together we want to win every competition we enter.”

Alvarez enjoyed a stunning World Cup campaign, scoring four goals in seven games to help Argentina lift the trophy.

He started five of those games in Qatar, including beating France on penalties in the final.