For all of the Barcelona and Bayern Munich superstars being linked with a move to Manchester City 2.0, it will probably be a less high-profile name that is first in the door with Pep Guardiola.
That’s not saying that Alvaro Morata isn’t a big name, he’s just not up there with the Lionel Messis and Robert Lewandowskis of the world.
You wouldn’t have guessed that from his showing on Wednesday night though as the Juventus front man was, along with Paul Pogba, a ray of shining light for the Old Lady.
Marauding runs like this led Jamie Carragher to reveal that he believes Guardiola would make a swift move for the 23-year-old in the summer.
I think Morata will be Pep's first signing at Man City!
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) March 16, 2016
Morata also had a goal wrongly ruled out for offside against Guardiola’s Bayern Munich and his side’s reliance on him became clear with the fact that Juventus had led 2-0 on the night and 4-2 on aggregate before he was substituted off.
When Mario Mandzukic replaced him, Juve fell to smithereens and conceded two before the 90th minute, and a further two in extra time to go crashing out of the Champions League.
The whole of Twitter, like Carragher, was left in awe at the contribution of the former Real Madrid striker.
What a performance from Alvaro Morata. Ran those channels with speed, power and purpose; killed Pep's defence. #Juve
— Sam Tighe (@stighefootball) March 16, 2016
That’s what happens when you take Morata off…
— Sandra Goldschmidt (@SanBorussia) March 16, 2016
Since Morata's withdrawal, Juve's threat has been non-existent. Bayern attack without fear of the counter. Two goals scored.
— Sam Tighe (@stighefootball) March 16, 2016
If Morata wasn't injured, taking him off was crazy. Juve haven't put 2 passes together since
— Ciarán Murphy (@saveciaranmurph) March 16, 2016
https://twitter.com/MC_of_A/status/710219879857532928
The difference a mobile striker makes at the very highest level is huge. Mandzukic/Morata change showcases that again tonight.
— Alex Richards (@AA_Richards) March 16, 2016
Although for all the praise Pep deserves, what was Allegri thinking when he took off Morata? Left his side with no outlet. Suicide.
— Andrew Gaffney (@GaffneyVLC) March 16, 2016
Strength in depth proved crucial in the end, but took a while for Pep to fix it. The real game-changing sub was Mandzukic for Morata.
— Michael Cox (@Zonal_Marking) March 16, 2016
Max Allegri usually gets his subs spot on. Killed himself tonight with Mandzukic for Morata.
— Alex Richards (@AA_Richards) March 16, 2016
