𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Alvarez’s six goals and one assist in eight league games put him among Europe’s most productive forwards, with a non-penalty return of five goals from an expected goals total (xG0 of around 2.3, showing he is outperforming his scoring chances by 2.7.

Across this run, Alvarez has shown the full range of his finishing. There was a free kick on matchweek one against Espanyol, a cushioned volley and a left-footed long-range strike to complete his hat-trick in the 3-2 win over Rayo Vallecano.

That was followed by a brace and another free kick past Thibaut Courtois in the Madrid derby — each type of goal showing how complete his finishing repertoire has become.

Tactically, Diego Simeone has shaped the team around him. Alvarez has been the fixed starter and reference point up front while Antoine Griezmann and Alexander Sorloth rotate around him this season.

The 4-4-2 structure provides a stable midfield base that funnels service quickly into central attacking areas, from both centrally and wide. His current streak of long-range and tight-angle goals will inevitably cool, but the usage, volume and supply patterns are sustainable.