The manager of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, has defended his choice to start Julian Alvarez in midfield time and time again.

Despite being personally involved in 25 goals in 35 appearances so far this season—scoring goals for Manchester City in the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and Emirates FA Cup—the 24-year-old has come under fire in recent weeks.

Alvarez, who plays mostly as a striker, replaced Kevin De Bruyne in an advanced midfield role for Pep Guardiola’s team after the Belgian just recently made a full recovery from hamstring surgery.

During Saturday night’s painful 1-1 stalemate between Manchester City and Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium, the Argentinean attacker was substituted by Bernardo Silva. Rodri’s goal in the 83rd minute allowed the Sky Blues to salvage a point.

With Guardiola’s team struggling to catch up to both Liverpool and Arsenal in the Premier League title race, City made 31 attempts against Chelsea but failed to produce a winner.

If the Blues defeat Brentford on Tuesday, they would pass Arsenal and get within one point of Liverpool. However, Manchester City was unable to take the lead in the middle of the week due to a draw with Chelsea.

The outcome on Saturday was City’s second straight tie with Mauricio Pochettino’s team, following their November 4–4 draw at Stamford Bridge. Alvarez filled in for both De Bruyne and Erling Haaland during the two matches against Chelsea, and he has been given 30 starts this season across all competitions.

Despite criticism for not starting Mateo Kovacic or Matheus Nunes in the forward position, Guardiola defended his decision in remarks made following Saturday’s stalemate.

He has a clear sense of purpose, according to Guardiola.

“[Alvarez’s] moves between lines and we have another man with a sense of goal which is vital when the teams defend so, so deep and it happens pretty regularly.

“And I believe he plays because he deserves it, and he was a crucial, crucial point with Phil (Foden) during Erling (Haaland’s) two-month absence. Indeed, excellent in that regard.

Tuesday night in the Premier League, Manchester City takes on Brentford. Bournemouth and Luton Town are the teams they play before the pivotal meeting against Manchester United on Sunday, March 3.

Although Alvarez has scored in the past against Bournemouth, he has yet to score in a Manchester derby.