BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand has included Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez among his top three young players of the World Cup.

The Argentinian international has bagged four goals in six matches at the tournament, helping to spearhead his team’s charge to the final. Ferdinand also recognised the performances of two other youngsters:

“Those are my three for (best) young player at the tournament. (Julian) Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez and [Josko] Gvardiol.”

Alvarez has been outstanding out in Qatar and it will be interesting to see how manager Pep Guardiola uses him in the second half of the season, considering the striker has been Erling Haaland’s understudy up until now.

In terms of Gvardiol, reports suggest that the Citizens are very keen on securing the Croatian’s signature, although Chelsea and Manchester United may also get involved in the battle for the defender.

It has been recently claimed that the 20-year-old has a €112m (£98m) release clause but, as it can only be triggered in 2024, the Citizens may have to pay more than that to prise him away from his current team RB Leipzig.

Fernandez, meanwhile, is also thought to be on City’s radar, although there have been some suggestions that Liverpool are favourites to sign the playmaker.