“Let him kick 9” … “Let Julián hit him” …

With shouts, from the bench of substitutes, Marcelo Gallardo was tired of demanding that River’s penalty against Atlético Tucumán at the Monumental on Sunday be kicked by Julián Álvarez. But the successor to the execution that ended up on the net was Enzo Fernandez. And then, Manika explained why she made that special request.

“Generally, I let them decide, but I thought once he kicked it but they didn’t listen to me. I wish that was because he’s a player who needs a goal. Beyond the fact that Julián is very good for the team, it’s a good possibility for him to meet the goal again “River’s coach explained after that game.

Álvarez has not scored goals in a month and a half with a red band on his chest, where he played 7 games (he lost against Banfield and Talleres). The last cry was on March 13, at Monumental Gymnastics and Criminal. The drought has been accumulating for 663 minutes. In 13 games, in which he spent a total of 1,208 minutes on the pitch, he scored 5 goals (3 against Patronato, one against Laferrere and another against Lobo Platense), so, by 2022, he already has one goal every 241 minutes.

The average spider score dropped by more than half compared to the second half of 2021, the moment of its explosion. Of the 60 goals River recorded during that time, Julián scored 20, that is, 33.33%. And so far in 2022, Álvarez has barely scored 15% of the 32 goals River has recorded this year.

On the sideline, Gallardo banks and supports him. “I really appreciate the unity and what the team has to offer. Although at one point he gave us a lot of goals, he was committed to coming out to play, help and be the team’s first pressure spear.”, revealed Manika about Álvarez. And I added: “He’s a player who, beyond goals, is incredible. You have to give him peace of mind so he doesn’t get confused if he doesn’t convert. Goals are in his blood and although he can go on a few games without scoring, the important thing is what he does for the team. The goal is open again and he will start giving us goals again “.

After the match against Atlético Tucumán, Julián spent another match without converting. It was on Wednesday night in the victory against Colo-Colo for the Copa Libertadores. Also, Álvarez had a good fight and as Gallardo pointed out, Araña once again gave good things to the team. For example, he paved the way for the second goal and handed the ball to Esequiel Barco for his shot. Against Tucuman, he also played an important role in helping. With a pinpoint pass, he left Suárez alone in the play that ended on penalty after dropping a “7” into the area.

Although River’s “9” hasn’t been long without converting since he started putting it on Gallardo’s team, what the “Millonario” coach said about what Álvarez brings to the team is true: Julián has his tremendous ability to play the role of striker, second striker, false nine or creative midfielder. And sometimes he does all of that in the same game and at different times.

But going forward needs purpose. And much more if you wear the “9” on the back. The last thing he did was wear a national team shirt. In Guayaquil, against Ecuador, for the final date of the South American Qualifiers, on March 29.

So, after the joy of winning against Colo Colo in Chile for the Copa Libertadores, which allowed them to qualify for the round of 16, River will no longer just change the chip for the local tournament, which they will play against Sarmiento this Saturday. from 9:30 pm in Junín, at an important match for the future in the Professional League Cup. The focus will also be on Julián’s efforts to break the drought.