Julian Alvarez Names Three Toughest Defenders in His Career
Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez has revealed the three most challenging defenders he’s faced during his professional football journey.
Alvarez, the 25-year-old Argentine forward, established himself as a formidable talent at River Plate before securing a transfer to Manchester City in 2022. After making over 100 appearances for the Premier League champions, Alvarez moved to Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2024, where he has already netted an impressive 22 goals under Diego Simeone’s management.
In a candid interview with ESPN last year, Alvarez identified the defenders who have given him the most trouble on the pitch:
- Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) – “Van Dijk because he is very strong. He’s one of the best defenders in the world.”
- Cristian ‘Cuti’ Romero (Tottenham) – “Cuti because he’s very aggressive and one of the best centre-backs in the world now too.”
- Lisandro ‘Licha’ Martinez (Manchester United) – “Licha too. They [Romero and Martinez] are both very similar in their aggressive defending.”
Interestingly, two of Alvarez’s toughest opponents are fellow Argentinians, highlighting the defensive prowess that has become a hallmark of Argentine football in recent years.
Champions League Challenges Ahead
While Van Dijk recently suffered disappointment with Liverpool’s Champions League exit against Paris Saint-Germain, Alvarez faces his own European challenge. The Atletico Madrid forward is preparing for a crucial second-leg match against city rivals Real Madrid, with Atletico needing to overturn a 2-1 deficit to advance in the competition.
Ahead of the match, Atletico boss Diego Simeone expressed confidence in his squad: “I believe in my players, I trust this squad. I absolutely understand the heart they have and I have no doubt that we will be looking to stay in the Champions League. Our objective is to play in the final.”
Since joining Atletico, Alvarez has demonstrated why he’s regarded as one of football’s most promising attacking talents. His ability to score consistently against elite opposition has made him a key figure in Simeone’s tactical setup.
The player’s journey from River Plate to Manchester City and now Atletico Madrid represents a steady progression to the highest levels of European football. Having faced some of the world’s premier defenders, Alvarez continues to develop his game while contributing significantly to Atletico’s attacking threat.
| Defender | Club | Nationality |
|---|---|---|
| Virgil van Dijk | Liverpool | Netherlands |
| Cristian Romero | Tottenham | Argentina |
| Lisandro Martinez | Manchester United | Argentina |
For Atletico fans, tonight’s Champions League clash against Real Madrid represents more than just a European fixture—it’s an opportunity to overcome their rivals and continue their quest for continental glory.
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