Gerrard defends Atlético over Julián Álvarez and admits relief Arsenal missed out

Atlético de Madrid returned from England with a defeat against Liverpool on their Champions League debut, but also with a positive sign: the revival of Julián Álvarez, who looked closer to the player everyone expects him to be. The Anfield clash generated huge interest in British football and produced compelling analysis, including Steven Gerrard's take on the summer saga involving the Argentine forward and his desire to join Barcelona.

• Gerrard believes Atlético were right not to strengthen a direct rival like Barcelona.
• The Liverpool legend thinks Álvarez can win back Atlético fans through goals and strong performances.
• The former England international admitted his relief that Arsenal did not sign the Argentine.
• Álvarez produced an eye-catching display at Anfield and moved closer to his best form.

Gerrard backs Atlético de Madrid's summer stance on Julián Álvarez

Julián Álvarez's summer was dominated by rumours of a possible move to Barcelona. The Catalan club's interest never materialised and the Argentine remained at Atlético de Madrid, a decision Steven Gerrard fully understands from the Spanish club's perspective.

I understand their point of view, but Atlético de Madrid do not want to strengthen a rival or become a satellite club for teams they can compete with both domestically and in the Champions League. So we can also understand the situation from the club's perspective.

The former Liverpool midfielder offered his assessment during the Champions League broadcast for TNT Sports. His words reflect a reality that is well understood at the Metropolitano: strengthening a direct rival in LaLiga and in Europe is never a desirable option, even when a player has publicly expressed a wish to move on.

How Julián Álvarez can win back the Atlético de Madrid fans

For Gerrard, Julián Álvarez's path to reconciliation with the Atlético faithful runs exclusively through what happens on the pitch. The English legend has no doubts that the Argentine has the backing needed to turn the situation around.

I think he has the trust and support of the coach, and obviously scoring a goal and having a good game can change a lot of things.

The former Liverpool player added, in comments reported by the Metro newspaper, that the forward will have to live with the feeling that his big summer opportunity slipped away. "He will be aware that the chance to fulfil his dream has faded, perhaps forever," he said about the Barcelona interest that never led to a transfer.

Why Steven Gerrard is relieved Arsenal failed to sign Álvarez

Julián Álvarez was also strongly linked with a move to Arsenal during the summer window. The London club were looking for a top-class forward and the Argentine fit that profile perfectly. However, the deal never went through, something Steven Gerrard openly welcomed.

I'm just glad he didn't go to Arsenal, and that's all I'll say.

The former Liverpool captain's reaction has nothing to do with quality, but rather with the threat such a signing would have posed to his former club. Gerrard considers Arsenal already a top-level side, and adding a player like the Argentine would have made them an even more dangerous rival in the Premier League.

He is a top-class player, hugely exciting, very intelligent, and it is no surprise that clubs around the world are after him. He is a goalscorer and a playmaker; I love watching him play.

Julián Álvarez regains his spark at Anfield

Beyond Gerrard's words, the match against Liverpool brought good news for Atlético de Madrid. Julián Álvarez produced his most convincing performance since joining the club and once again resembled the footballer who dazzled at Manchester City and with the Argentina national team.

His movement between the lines, his link-up play and his goalscoring instinct were all on display in a highly demanding setting. The goal and the overall performance reinforce the idea that the Argentine is ready to take on a leading role in Diego Simeone's project. If he keeps this up, the doubts generated during the summer will quickly fade away.

What Atlético de Madrid still have at stake in the Champions League

The defeat at Anfield makes Atlético de Madrid's European start more complicated, but the new Champions League format leaves plenty of room to react. With eight matches in the league phase and a calendar still to unfold, Simeone's side have enough opportunities ahead to recover lost ground.

The goal is to finish in the top eight and secure direct qualification for the round of 16, or at the very least guarantee a place in the knockout play-offs. To achieve that, Atlético need players like Julián Álvarez to maintain the level shown in England and the team to pick up points consistently in their upcoming European fixtures.

FAQ about Julián Álvarez and Gerrard's Champions League comments