Will Julián Alvarez start for Argentina vs. Egypt? Scaloni keeps faith in forward

It has not been the best World Cup for Julián Alvarez, nor did he finish the club season on a high, but he will start against Egypt in Argentina’s Round of 16 clash in Atlanta. Scaloni is determined to help him rediscover his best form and will deploy him on the left side of the attack in place of Almada.

Julián Alvarez transfer saga takes it toll

Julián is going through a difficult spell. The uncertainty surrounding his possible departure from Atlético Madrid has clearly taken its toll. He struggled during the closing weeks of the club season and has carried that poor run into the World Cup. He has not scored since April, when he found the net against Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals, and has since been hindered by an ankle injury and the constant speculation over his future.

Atlético demand asking price for Julián Alvarez

With Barcelona waiting for an opportunity to sign him, Atlético reluctant to sell unless its €150 million asking price is met, and Real Madrid having previously entered the race when Florentino Pérez included a bid for him as part of his presidential campaign, the spotlight has now shifted to “La Araña,” who is carrying all the pressure.

He failed to impress when he started against Jordan in the group stage and has made little impact after coming off the bench in Argentina’s other matches. His last goal for the national team came in April against Zambia, and he has now gone four straight appearances without scoring. If Argentina is to defend its World Cup title, it needs the best version of Julián alongside Messi. The need is urgent. So far, though, that player has yet to emerge.

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