Diego Simeone addresses Julian Alvarez future amid transfer speculation
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Image Credits: Imago ImagesJulian Alvarez ended his goal drought on Wednesday night, scoring a hat-trick to secure Atletico Madrid’s 3-2 victory over Rayo Vallecano.
Alvarez opened the scoring with a stunning volley, equalized later by firing in a rebound from close range, and then sealed the win in the 88th minute with a superb strike from the edge of the box.
His three goals not only ended his six-match goal drought but also gave Atletico a vital boost, marking their second win of the La Liga season.
The Argentina international had faced growing frustration over his role at Atletico in recent weeks.
Earlier this summer, Liverpool were reportedly interested in signing the former Manchester City forward before shifting their focus to other targets.
The Reds went on to sign Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt and later completed the club-record signing of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United.
Atletico coach Diego Simeone has addressed Alvarez’s future, insisting the forward remains a key part of his plans.
“Julian is the best player we have,” Simeone told reporters after the win over Rayo Vallecano.
“We need to take care of him, to keep him here at Atleti for many years.
“He has to help us, and we have to help him, so he can become even better than he already is?
Every time he makes a difference, he helps us a lot.”
Alvarez missed Atletico Madrid’s Champions League defeat to Liverpool due to a knee injury sustained during the victory over Villarreal.
The 25-year-old forward was Atletico’s Player of the Season last year, finishing as the club’s top scorer with 29 goals in 57 appearances.
This season, he has racked up six appearances, scored four goals and provided one assist for Atletico Madrid in the league.
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