Ricky Álvarez
Álvarez with Internazionale in 2011
Personal information
Full name Ricardo Gabriel Álvarez[1]
Date of birth (1988-04-12) 12 April 1988
Place of birth Buenos Aires, Argentina
Height 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)[1]
Position(s) Attacking midfielder
Youth career
2005–2006 Boca Juniors
2006–2008 Vélez Sársfield
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2008–2011 Vélez Sársfield 42 (5)
2011–2015 Inter Milan 73 (11)
2014–2015 → Sunderland (loan) 13 (0)
2015 Sunderland 0 (0)
2016–2018 Sampdoria 46 (4)
2018–2020 Atlas 15 (0)
2020–2021 Vélez Sarsfield 21 (3)
Total 210 (23)
International career
2011–2014 Argentina 9 (1)
Medal record
 Argentina
FIFA World Cup
Runner-up2014 BrazilTeam
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Ricardo "Ricky" Gabriel Álvarez (Spanish pronunciation: [riˈkaɾðo ɣaˈβɾjel ˈalβaɾes]; born 12 April 1988) is an Argentine former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder. Álvarez retired from football at the end of 2021.[2]

Álvarez began his club career in Argentina in 2008 with Vélez Sársfield. His performances earned him a move to Italian club Internazionale in 2011, where he remained until 2015. He joined English side Sunderland on-loan during the 2014–15 season, a move which was to become permanent should Sunderland retain their place in the Premier League for the following season. The deal ended in a legal dispute with Inter over the contract with the Court of Arbitration for Sport later ruling in Inter's favour. He returned to Italy, joining Sampdoria as a free agent in 2016. At international level, Álvarez was a member of the Argentine squad that reached the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final.

Club career

Early career

As a child, Álvarez played papi fut for Caballito Juniors and Club Parque, then had a brief stay in Boca Juniors youth divisions.[3]

Club Atlético Vélez Sársfield

Álvarez played his first professional game with Vélez Sársfield in 2008. Following his debut, he suffered a knee cruciate ligament injury that stalled his progression on the first team.[4] He then was part of the 2009 Clausura-winning squad, playing only 18 minutes in the 1–0 victory over Gimnasia y Esgrima de Jujuy.[5]

The midfielder's breakthrough with the team finally came during the 2010 Clausura, in which Vélez, forced by the tight fixture of the Copa Libertadores, played mostly with substitutes. He scored his first goal in a 1–2 defeat to River Plate at the Estadio Monumental[6] and received his first red card from referee Javier Collado in Vélez's 1–3 defeat to Racing Club for complaining about a yellow card. He totalled 11 matches during the tournament (4 as a starter) and scored one goal.[7]

Álvarez then played 15 games (2 starts) during Vélez's runner-up 2010 Apertura campaign.[8] He also scored his second professional goal in his team's 1–0 home victory over Lanús for the 14th fixture.[9]

During the first semester of 2011, Álvarez received significant fan and media praise for his league and Copa Libertadores' matches. He also showed versatility by playing all midfield positions.[3] During that semester, he helped his team win the 2011 Clausura and reach the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores.

Internazionale

On 5 July 2011, Álvarez joined Italian club Internazionale after the club paid Vélez a €12.8 million transfer fee for 90% of his rights.[10][11] He debuted officially for his club in the 2011 Supercoppa Italiana defeat to Milan. Under the coaching of Claudio Ranieri, Álvarez began to establish himself in the team and showed that he can play as a trequartista. His first official goal for Inter came against Trabzonspor on 22 November 2011 after a neat one-two with international teammate Diego Milito. He scored again in his side's 4–1 victory over Lecce, a tap in from a well worked cross by Yuto Nagatomo.[12]

In 2013, in 3–2 comeback win against Catania, Álvarez scored his first Inter goal. He scored two more on 7 April against Atalanta, although Inter lost that match 3–4 in the San Siro. Ten days later, in a Coppa Italia match at San Siro, he scored again against Roma, but Inter lost 2–3 in an eventual 5–3 aggregate loss. On 5 May, Álvarez scored from a penalty kick against Napoli at the Stadio San Paolo, but his team lost 3–1. Álvarez scored his tenth goal for Inter three days later against Lazio and also missed a penalty kick as Inter lost 1–3.[13]

Sunderland

Álvarez joined English club Sunderland on September deadline day 2014. Álvarez initially signed on loan with a view to a permanent switch if Sunderland avoided relegation.[14] Álvarez made his Premier League debut on 13 September 2014, playing 65 minutes in a 2–2 draw against Tottenham.[15] He scored his first and only goal for the club on 3 February 2015 in a 3–1 win against Fulham in an FA Cup fourth-round replay.[16] Álvarez suffered an injury to his right knee during a goalless draw with Swansea City in September 2014, which limited his appearances for the remainder of the season to 13 league games.

Sunderland avoided relegation and triggered the conditional obligation to buy Álvarez outright for €10.5 million. However, the club did not wish to buy Álvarez due to a dispute with Inter over the player's fitness. Following Alvarez's injury in September, Sunderland had approached Inter to get their approval to carry out surgery, but Inter refused.[17] The automatic purchase clause in Álvarez's contract would have been void if the player suffered a flare-up of a known case of tendinopathy in his left knee which had then prevented him from playing. Sunderland's medical team claimed that the injury to his right knee had been accelerated by both the left knee tendinopathy and a previous micro surgical repair in his right knee which had not been initially disclosed by Inter.[18] They argued the combination of factors voided the contract, and Sunderland were therefore not obliged to buy the player.

In 2017, the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that Sunderland were liable to pay Inter the transfer fee,[19] rejecting Sunderland's argument on the basis that Sunderland's medical team had already found evidence of the micro-surgery to the right knee during the player's medical, but chose not to follow this up with Inter at the time.[18] An appeal of the same ruling of FIFA was rejected. Nevertheless, as the transfer to Sunderland was considered complete and Álvarez did not sign a new contract with Sunderland, he was de facto a free agent after the expiry of loan meaning Sunderland were not able to recoup a transfer fee for the player when he later signed for Sampdoria.

In August 2019, after a lengthy legal battle, a FIFA tribunal ruled that Sunderland were liable to pay Velez Sarsfield €362,500 as part of the FIFA solidarity mechanism.[20] On the back of the announcement, Sunderland's chairman also revealed that Álvarez had appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport over the amount awarded for lost earnings during the first half of the 2015–16 season while his contract ownership was under dispute. Alvarez won the appeal in January 2021 and was awarded £4,770,000 in compensation from Sunderland.[21] It took Sunderland's total costs in relation to the Alvarez deal to more than £20m.[22] Sunderland attempted to sue the club doctor who performed the Alvarez's medical for £13m in an effort to recoup some of the losses, though the lawsuit (and a subsequent counter-suit by the doctor) was dropped in March 2021 when Sunderland was bought by new owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.[23]

Sampdoria

In the last days of December 2015, he was linked with a move to Italian side Sampdoria[24] which was finally concluded on 4 January of the following year, with Álvarez signing a contract until 30 June 2016.[25] He was also given number 25 shirt for the second part of 2015–16 season.[25]

On 24 June 2016, Álvarez signed a new three-year contract.[26] On 11 July 2018, he has officially terminated his contract with Sampdoria by mutual consent.[27]

International career

On 18 August 2011, Álvarez was called up to Argentina's senior squad.[28] He made his debut on 2 September 2011 against Venezuela in a friendly. Four days later, Álvarez played in another friendly, this time against Nigeria. He made another appearance in the 2014 World Cup qualification match against Bolivia.

On 2 June 2014, Álvarez was called up for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.[29]

Style of play

A left-footed and technically gifted playmaker, Álvarez is usually deployed as an attacking midfielder, due to his ability to both score and create goals.[30][31][32] He has been praised for his work-rate, stamina, and tactical versatility, and is capable of playing anywhere in midfield,[31][33][34] as well as in several offensive positions;[35] he has also been deployed as a second striker,[35] as a central midfielder,[36] or as a right winger, a position which allows him to cut inside and shoot on goal with his stronger left foot.[31] Nicknamed Ricky Maravilla, he was regarded as a talented and promising prospect in his youth, and his elegant playing style, shy personality, height and physique initially drew comparisons with Kaká and Javier Pastore, although he has stated that his main inspirations as a footballer were Zinedine Zidane and Riquelme.[30][31][32][37][38] His main attributes are his powerful striking ability from distance, dribbling skills, and creativity,[31][33] which along with his movement and acceleration often sees him exploit spaces by embarking on trademark solo runs with the ball;[39][40][41] however, he has also drawn criticism from pundits for his lack of pace and inconsistent performances.[31][42] In recent seasons, his playing time has also been limited due to several injuries.[42] As such, he has been accused in the media of failing to live up to his initial potential.[43][44][45][46]

Career statistics

Club

As of 20 May 2018[3][47]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League Cup Continental Total
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Vélez Sársfield 2007–08 10000010
2008–09 10000010
2009–10 1110020131
2010–11 29400111405
Total 42500131556
Internazionale 2011–12 2123051293
2012–13 2353141307
2013–14 2942000314
Total 731181929014
Sunderland (loan) 2014–15 803100111
Sampdoria 2015–16 1310000131
2016–17 2122100233
2017–18 1213000151
Total 4645100515
Career total 1692016322320726

International

As of 4 January 2016[48]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
Argentina 201130
201320
201441
Total91

International goals

Scores and results list Argentina's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Álvarez goal.
List of international goals scored by Ricky Álvarez
#DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
1.7 June 2014Estadio Ciudad de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina Slovenia1–02–0Friendly

Honours

Vélez Sársfield

Internazionale

Argentina

References

  1. 1 2 "2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil: List of players: Argentina" (PDF). FIFA. 14 July 2014. p. 2. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 April 2019. Retrieved 11 May 2019.
  2. ↑ Se retira Ricky Álvarez, argentina.as.com, 3 December 2021
  3. 1 2 3 Martín Manrupe (15 April 2011). "Talentos de Exportación: Ricky Álvarez, la magia polifuncional que necesita Europa" (in Spanish). Goal.com. Retrieved 23 May 2011.
  4. ↑ Rubén David Oliva. "En Vélez siempre se tiene que pelear todo" (in Spanish). Diario Infovelez. Archived from the original on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 10 July 2010.
  5. ↑ "Ricardo Álvarez 2009 Clausura stats" (in Spanish). Fútbol Pasión. Retrieved 11 July 2010.
  6. ↑ "Buonanotte volvió al gol y fue el héroe del triunfo de River". TyC Sports (in Spanish). 30 April 2010. Archived from the original on 6 July 2010. Retrieved 27 June 2010.
  7. ↑ "Closing '10 statistics". Argentine Soccer. Archived from the original on 20 March 2012. Retrieved 23 May 2011.
  8. ↑ "Opening '10 statistics" (in Spanish). Argentine Soccer. Archived from the original on 23 December 2010. Retrieved 23 May 2011.
  9. ↑ "Aprovechó su oportunidad: Vélez ganó y se trepó a la punta". Cancha Llena (in Spanish). 14 November 2010. Archived from the original on 16 November 2010. Retrieved 14 November 2010.
  10. ↑ "Ricky Alvarez, el nuevo argentino de Inter". Cancha Llena (in Spanish). 5 July 2011. Archived from the original on 22 January 2020. Retrieved 6 July 2011.
  11. ↑ "La Maravilla se muda a Italia" (in Spanish). Club Atlético Vélez Sársfield. 5 July 2011. Retrieved 6 July 2011.
  12. ↑ Kris Voakes (21 December 2011). "Player Ratings: Inter 4-1 Lecce". inter.it. Retrieved 20 November 2018.
  13. ↑ "Serie A, Inter 1-3 Lazio". inter.it. 8 May 2013. Retrieved 20 November 2018.
  14. ↑ "Sunderland sign Sebastian Coates & Ricardo Alvarez on deadline day". BBC Sport. 1 September 2014. Retrieved 13 September 2014.
  15. ↑ 5 "Sunderland 2–2 Tottenham". BBC Sport. 13 September 2014. {{cite news}}: Check |url= value (help)
  16. ↑ "Fulham 1–3 Sunderland". BBC Sport. 3 February 2015. Retrieved 3 February 2015.
  17. ↑ "Why Sunderland have been hit with a six-figure financial penalty for player signing". Sunderland Echo. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
  18. 1 2 Tomlinson, Andy (14 August 2019). "Sunderland's £20m Ricky Alvarez saga is NOT over yet - another legal case is pending this month". Roker Report. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
  19. ↑ "The remarkable Ricky Alvarez legal saga explained after latest twist involving ex-Sunderland and Inter Milan flop". Sunderland Echo.
  20. ↑ Media, P. A. (14 August 2019). "Sunderland forced to pay Vélez Sarsfield £335,000 in Ricky Álvarez settlement". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
  21. ↑ Hewitt, Matty (18 January 2021). "Sunderland ordered to pay former Inter Milan player Ricky Alvarez £4,770,000". ChronicleLive. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  22. ↑ McCormick, Sean (15 August 2019). "Stewart Donald confirms Sunderland's long running Ricky Alvarez dispute is not quite over". ChronicleLive. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
  23. ↑ "Sunderland finally draw line under Ricky Alvarez saga as legal claim against former doctor Ishtiaq Rehman is dropped". Sunderland Echo. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  24. ↑ "Ricky Alvarez è a un passo dalla Samp, tra l'Inter e le visite mediche" (in Italian). Calcio Mercato. 27 December 2015. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
  25. 1 2 "Official: Sampdoria sign Alvarez". Italian Football. 4 January 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
  26. ↑ "Alvarez signs new contract to keep him at Sampdoria until 2019" (Press release) (in Italian). U.C. Sampdoria. 24 June 2016. Retrieved 6 July 2017.
  27. ↑ "Alvarez leaves Samp" (Press release). Football Italia. 11 July 2018. Retrieved 11 July 2018.
  28. ↑ "Lista de convocados para los amistosos ante Venezuela y Nigeria" (in Spanish). AFA. 18 August 2011. Retrieved 20 August 2011.
  29. ↑ "Argentina World Cup squad: Carlos Tevez and Erik Lamela miss out on 30-man provisional list". Mirror. 13 May 2014. Retrieved 7 December 2014.
  30. 1 2 Alessandro Cavasinni (26 May 2011). "Gazzetta: "All'Inter piace Alvarez, il 'Kakà' del Vélez"" (in Italian). TuttoMercatoWeb.com. Retrieved 11 August 2016.
  31. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Valerio Clari (23 November 2011). "Alvarez, l'investimento ora paga Ricky può cambiare l'Inter?" (in Italian). La Gazzetta dello Sport. Retrieved 11 August 2016.
  32. 1 2 Bruno Dardano (14 June 2011). "Roma, Ricky Alvarez to CM: 'I dream of Europe'". CalcioMercato.com. Retrieved 11 August 2016.
  33. 1 2 Luca Calamai (18 June 2011). "Fari su Alvarez, nuovo Kakà Roma e Inter alla finestra" (in Italian). La Gazzetta dello Sport. Retrieved 11 August 2016.
  34. ↑ Fusato, Riccardo (25 September 2013). "La rinascita di Alvarez: corre, copre e gioca da 10. Dopo due anni…" (in Italian). FC Inter 1908. Retrieved 2 May 2021.
  35. 1 2 "Roma join Arsenal in race for Velez Sarsfield's Ricky Alvarez". Goal.com. 27 May 2011. Retrieved 11 August 2016.
  36. ↑ Alberto Casavecchia (8 August 2011). "La Gazzetta promuove Alvarez, Obi e Castaignos" (in Italian). TuttoMercatoWeb.com. Retrieved 11 August 2016.
  37. ↑ Stefano Fiore; Valentina Evelli (6 July 2011). "Ricky Alvarez, il Kakà dell'Inter "Sono nella squadra che mio padre ama"" (in Italian). Mediaset. Retrieved 11 August 2016.
  38. ↑ "Alvarez: 'I rejected Arsenal for Inter'". www.football-italia.net. 12 July 2011. Retrieved 2 May 2021.
  39. ↑ "Inter vs Torino". www.football-italia.net. 27 January 2013. Retrieved 2 May 2021.
  40. ↑ "Inter capitulate to Real Madrid". www.football-italia.net. 10 August 2013. Retrieved 2 May 2021.
  41. ↑ Ghislandi, Andrea (24 October 2013). "Da brutto anatroccolo a cigno: la metamorfosi dell'Alvarez ritrovato, arma a sorpresa dell'Inter" (in Italian). www.goal.com. Retrieved 2 May 2021.
  42. 1 2 Pasquale Guarro (13 January 2016). "Inter, le mani su Eder: ecco come si fa" (in Italian). CalcioMercato.com. Retrieved 11 August 2016.
  43. ↑ Gentile, Marco (6 September 2012). "Alvarez-Inter: triplo fallimento" (in Italian). Calciomercato.com. Retrieved 2 May 2021.
  44. ↑ Camedda, Paolo (6 March 2021). "Jonathan e Ricky Alvarez all'Inter: quando sembravano il futuro dei nerazzurri" (in Italian). www.goal.com. Retrieved 2 May 2021.
  45. ↑ Palumbo, Ivan (8 April 2014). "Inter, Alvarez in declino: non vince da 5 mesi, ha una media voto insufficiente". La Gazzetta dello Sport (in Italian). Retrieved 2 May 2021.
  46. ↑ Ghislandi, Andrea (17 July 2012). "Editoriale - Per Alvarez e Coutinho è giunto il momento di dimostrare di meritare spazio in questa Inter" (in Italian). www.goal.com. Retrieved 2 May 2021.
  47. ↑ "Argentina – R. Alvarez – Profile with news, career statistics and history". Soccerway. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  48. ↑ Ricky Álvarez at National-Football-Teams.com
  49. ↑ "Milan vs. Internazionale 2 – 1". Soccerway. 6 August 2011. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
  50. ↑ Young, James (4 July 2015). "Argentina's Painful Title Drought Continues with Loss in Copa Final". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
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