Diego Simeone has included Julián Álvarez in Atlético Madrid’s squad for their Champions League trip to face Liverpool at Anfield.
Álvarez has been at the centre of controversy at Atlético after reportedly trying to push through a move to Barcelona during the summer transfer window. Atlético refused to sanction the transfer, and the forward has subsequently faced criticism from sections of the club’s supporters.
He was booed by Atlético fans when he came on against Villarreal and was left out of the following match against Sevilla. He returned as a substitute in Atlético’s weekend defeat to Athletic Bilbao.
Despite the tension, Simeone has decided to take Álvarez to Anfield. Atlético are already without Alexander Sørloth through injury and Arnau Ortiz through suspension, which makes Álvarez’s availability particularly important.
Álvarez also has a strong record in the Champions League. He has scored 25 goals in 42 appearances in the competition, including 10 goals during Atlético’s run to the semi-finals last season.
The Argentine has faced Liverpool five times previously, scoring twice and winning only once — when Manchester City beat Liverpool 4–1 in April 2023.
If Simeone decides to start him at Anfield, Liverpool’s defence will have to be extremely alert.
