Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola hailed Julian Alvarez following his superb performance in City’s 4-1 win over Liverpool, describing the 23-year-old as ‘something special.’

With Erling Haaland ruled out through a groin issue, the World Cup winner led the City line with aplomb, scoring to level in the first half after Mo Salah had given Liverpool an early lead.

Alavrez then showed his vision too with a brilliant ball to set up Riyad Mahrez which paved the way for Kevin De Bruyne’s 46th minute strike to give City the lead and he also played a key role in Ilkay Gundogan’s strike which made it 3-1.

“Tactics is players. Erling is something special. Julian is something special too,” Guardiola said.

“The vision in that second goal to know Riyad is there.

“He was involved in the first three goals. He was so clever. He played with the World Cup champions. If you are not good, you cannot play in the world champion team.

“Thank you so much to the club and Txiki (director of football Begiristain). He is a young player. Of course, he played a really good game.”