Man City lost a player rated above Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé, suggests Diego Simeone

During the interview, Diego Simeone went further, ranking Alvarez above a long list of top names including Giuliano Simeone, Jude Bellingham, Mohamed Salah, Raphinha, Cole Palmer, Ousmane Dembele, Vitinha, Erling Haaland, Pedri and Vinicius Jr.

The 25-year-old star has become a key figure at Atletico since arriving in La Liga. Former Barcelona and Liverpool forward Luis Suarez has even called him the best striker in the world.

Thierry Henry has also praised Alvarez’s performances for the Colchoneros, and named him one of his favourite number nines in the game today.

Like Henry, it is clear Simeone holds Alvarez in high regard too. Speaking to COPE, he said that he rates the Argentine above both Yamal and Mbappe.

Julian Alvarez stats compared to Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe

Alvarez’s move from Manchester City has further solidified his reputation as a top-tier player.

His numbers from last season also make a strong case in their own right.

While his goal contributions – 36 in total, with 29 goals and seven assists – fall short of Yamal’s 43 (18 goals and 25 assists) and Mbappe’s 48 (43 goals and five assists), there is still plenty to appreciate about his impact at Atletico Madrid.

Given how well Alvarez has settled into Diego Simeone’s side, the manager will be more than happy to have him leading the line. Over at City, there may be some quiet questions about whether letting him go was the right call.