The Elche team is soaring to new heights in the Segunda division, and one of the key players driving their success is Agustín Álvarez, affectionately known as the Canario. This 23-year-old Uruguayan forward has been on fire, scoring 9 goals in total – 8 in the league and 1 in the cup – and providing 2 assists. His impressive performance has made him the team’s top scorer, and he’s been instrumental in their recent winning streak, including their 3-1 victory over Castellón. As a result, Elche has risen to third place in the standings, tied with Levante on 53 points. Whether playing as a sole striker or partnering with another attacker, Álvarez has become an indispensable piece of the puzzle for coach Eder Sarabia.
With 12 games still to go, Álvarez has already matched the goal-scoring record of last season’s top scorer, Tete Morente, and surpassed the 7 goals scored by Óscar Plano, who suffered a serious injury midway through the campaign. Notably, 4 of Álvarez’s 8 league goals have been headers, with only Alemao of Oviedo beating him in this department with 6 headed goals. The two strikers will face off when Real Oviedo hosts Elche on Friday in a crucial match that could determine the teams’ chances of promotion to LaLiga.
Álvarez’s skill, instinct, and determination have helped Elche forget their past problems with their attacking lineup. After a disappointing stint in Europe, he’s rediscovering his form and proving himself in the Spanish second division. The young forward is on loan from Italian club Sassuolo, who paid a whopping 12 million euros to sign him from Peñarol in June 2022, making him the most expensive transfer in Uruguayan football history. However, his time in Italy was marred by a serious knee injury, and he struggled to regain his footing during a loan spell with Sampdoria in Serie B.
I’m eager to return to the national team
Agustín Álvarez, Elche player
The call of the national team
Despite his previous setbacks, Álvarez has found a new lease on life with Elche, and his hard work has paid off with a call-up to the Uruguayan national team’s preliminary squad for their upcoming matches against Argentina and Bolivia. If he makes the final cut, it will be his first appearance for the team in four years, since his debut in 2021 when he played four games and scored against Bolivia.
“It’s great to be noticed by your national team. I’ve been wanting to return for a couple of years, but it hasn’t been possible due to various reasons. I’m working hard at Elche, and I’m grateful that the club is helping me improve every day. Everything will follow from there,” Álvarez said after the last match, expressing his happiness and comfort in his current team. He’s previously stated his desire to help Elche secure promotion to LaLiga and stay with the club long-term.
If Álvarez does receive the call from coach Marcelo Bielsa, he would miss Elche’s upcoming match against Eldense, which could disrupt Eder Sarabia’s plans. Nevertheless, the coach has expressed his support for Álvarez, saying he would be delighted if the young striker gets to represent his country.
