“He’s on the same wavelength as Messi” – Gary Neville chooses the best young player at 2022 FIFA World Cup
Gary Neville has chosen Argentina forward Julian Alvarez as the best young player at the 2022 FIFA World Cup due to his impressive partnership with Lionel Messi.
The former Manchester United captain reckons Alvarez, 22, is on the same wavelength as the Argentine icon. Alvaraz has scored four goals at the tournament, while his captain has contributed five.
Neville said (via the Daily Mail):
“Alvarez has become really important to Messi. When Messi was playing with Lautaro Martinez earlier in the tournament, it wasn't really happening for him, but Alvarez has emerged in the last few games, and his work in and around Messi is noticeable."
He added:
“He's a bright spark; he's on the same wavelength as Messi.”
It's been a busy 12 months for Julian Alvarez 🤯 https://t.co/wSYghAuMAV
Argentina are into the FIFA World Cup final on Sunday (December 18), where they will play France, thanks to the form of Alvarez and his captain.
The Manchester City striker has been in impressive form, scoring four goals and providing an assist in six appearances. Alvarez's connection with the Argentina icon has grown during the tournament.
The duo linked up devastatingly in Argentina's 3-0 semifinal win over Croatia. Alvarez won the penalty, which his capain converted in the 34th minute, before the young striker produced a wonderful run and finish in the 39th.
He added a third in the 69th minute after Messi had produced a moment of magic to play his teammate in on goal, and Alvarez made no mistake. The former Barcelona legend was awarded the Man of the Match after the win but claimed that his young teammate deserved the award.
Messi said:
“Every player did very well, but if I have to choose I would give this award to Julian. He had an extraordinary game.”
Your @Budweiser player of the match Lionel Messi lauds Julian Alvarez for "carrying the team" into the #FIFAWorldCup final 👏
#Budweiser #POTM #YoursToTake #BringHomeTheBud @budfootball https://t.co/j7BjKdFX5B
Messi has been in imperious form, contributing five goals and three assists in six games. He has also scored in all three knockout games.
France winger Ousmane Dembele hails Messi as exceptional ahead of FIFA World Cup final
France attacker Dembele played with Argentina captain Messi at Barcelona from 2017 to 2021 and knows all about the legendary forward's talent.
He lauded his former teammate and explained his impact on younger players. Dembele also described the difficulties in trying to nullify the threat posed by the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, saying (via the Daily Mail):
"I spent four great years with him. He's a normal guy in the dressing room; he helps young players. He gave me a lot."
He added:
"He's difficult to control, and we'll have to do everything we can to make sure he touches the ball as little as possible."
Messi will play his last FIFA World Cup game on Sunday and would like to end on a high with a win over France.