Scaloni backs Julian Alvarez to rediscover his best form after Argentina win

Lionel Scaloni says Julian Alvarez will “never let you down” and is confident the Atletico Madrid forward will return to his best level after scoring in Argentina’s 7-0 friendly victory over Burkina Faso.

Alvarez was among the goalscorers as Argentina produced a convincing result in their international friendly at Monumental Stadium in Argentina. The match featured seven different goalscorers for the world champions.

Scaloni acknowledged that even elite players can experience periods when their performances dip, but said Alvarez’s quality would ensure he recovered.

“There are players who go through periods of a decline in form, but they always come back,” Scaloni told reporters.

“These players have such great quality that they always return to their best levels.”

The Argentina manager also said Alvarez enjoyed being with the national team and appeared to be in a positive frame of mind.

“When Julian is here with the national team, he is happy and feels that he is in very good shape,” Scaloni said.

Scaloni added that Alvarez’s return to peak form would benefit Atletico Madrid, as well as Argentina.

“Atletico Madrid need Julian to be at his best. If we can help them with that, then that is great, because Julian is a player who will never let you down,” he said.

The victory over Burkina Faso came without Lionel Messi, who is preparing to play the final match of his career for Argentina.