Simeone backs Julián Álvarez to hit his best form vs Alavés

Atlético de Madrid head into the Alavés match with the main question sitting on Julián Álvarez, whom Simeone wants to see back at his usual level after the opening weeks. In his press conference, the coach said he sees him “well”, with “enthusiasm” and “eagerness to give his best,” just as he has done before.

As Mundo Deportivo recalls, Julián Álvarez was watched closely by Barcelona, who had shown interest in a player the club wouldn’t have disliked seeing move. That environment, in the same piece, is linked to his early-season wobble. Ahead of Alavés, the forward returned on Wednesday after international duty with Argentina, and there is doubt over whether he starts.