Alvarez the star as Atletico aim to prove they belong

JULIAN Alvarez has established himself as Atletico Madrid’s key player, but the club still need to prove to the Argentina international that they belong among Europe’ elite and can fulfil his ambitions.

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The Rojiblancos'’ visit to last season's semifinalists Arsenal in the Champions League today is a prime opportunity to test their mettle.

Diego Simeone’s side are unbeaten in six games across all competitions since their last-minute defeat by Liverpool at Anfield in September.

Virgil van Dijk’s stoppage-time winner left Atletico with a familiar sinking feeling and compounded what had been a poor domestic start, following a trophyless 2024/25 campaign. In the days that followed, renewed speculation emerged that Barcelona were interested in signing the striker next summer as a replacement for veteran Robert Lewandowski.

“People always talk,” said Alvarez, neither fanning the flames of the rumours nor completely quashing them.

Alvarez joined Atletico in a deal worth €85 million (£73 million) from Manchester City in the summer of 2024 and scored 29 times in a strong first season. As Antoine Griezmann’s influence waned, Alvarez took up the reins, particularly in the second half of the campaign.