Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola hails Julian Alvarez after FC Copenhagen win

Pep Guardiola has praised Julian Alvarez after the Argentine scored in Manchester City's 5-0 win over FC Copenhagen in the Champions League on Wednesday.

The Premier League champions followed up a derby thrashing of local rivals Manchester City with a dominating display at the Etihad Stadium.

Julian Alvarez was handed his first start in a while as he lined up alongside Jack Grealish, Riyad Mahrez and Erling Haaland in attack for the hosts.

Manchester City announced the signing of Alvarez from River Plate on the final day of the January transfer window, with the 22-year-old spending the second half of last season in Argentina.

Alvarez hit the ground running in pre-season with a series of eye-catching displays on City's pre-season tour of the United States.

The young attacker also scored in City's 3-1 defeat to Liverpool in the Community Shield at the King Power Stadium in July.

However, minutes have been understandably hard to come by for the talented forward largely due to the wealth of attacking options at Pep Guardiola's disposal.

Moreover, the blistering start Erling Haaland has made to life in England has seen Alvarez operate largely on either wing as part of Guardiola's front three.

Alvarez was given his chance to impress on Wednesday and he did take his opportunity to shine, scoring City's fifth of the night to round off a resounding showing from the Premier League champions.

"We need players in the box and with Erling (Haaland) and Julian (Alvarez) we have that weapon," Guardiola said in his post-match press conference.

"For the people outside, that is important. The space in the middle is so minimal, we try to make the movements there.

"All of us were very happy with the goal Julian scored and the way he played. He is a little bit behind Erling, but it is normal."