Manchester City loanee Julian Alvarez scored six goals in an astonishing performance for River Plate on Wednesday. 

River Plate ran out 8-1 winners against Alianza Lima with Alvarez proving why he was one of the most sought after young strikers on the planet. 

It was confirmed earlier this year that the Argentine would be joining the Premier League champions, but City deemed it better for his development to send him back to River Plate. 

Julian Alvarez was handed two match balls after the game after his six against Alianza Lima

It appears to have been an inspired decision, with the forward impressing for the club he joined in 2016 in various competitions. There are none bigger, however, in South America than the Libertadores and Alvarez's performance immediately writes him into River Plate folklore. 

The young player's first goal will seemingly impress Pep Guardiola the most. Spotting an opportunity to win the ball, Alvarez dropped in and intercepted a pass. 

The ball landed at the feet of one of his team-mates before Alvarez made an intelligent run across the backline and off the shoulder of one of the defenders. His finish across the goal capped off an all-round superb piece of play. 

Showing his ability as a poacher as well as a hard-worker, Alvarez's second came from a cross across 'corridor of uncertainty' that he duly received and placed beyond the goalkeeper. 

Meanwhile, his goal to complete his hat-trick displayed the striker's ability to do it all in front of goal. The Argentine picked the ball up with his back to goal around 30-yards from the target. Given space and time to turn, he drove forward before unleashing a low drive into the bottom right hand corner of the net. 

Not content with three, Alvarez looked to have the bit between his teeth in his hunt for more goals. 

Again showing his desire to press and work hard for the team, Alvarez pressed Alianza Lima goalkeeper Angelo Campos while he dallied on the ball. 

With the 'keeper panicking, the young forward nipped in to steal the ball and score his fourth of the game. The night had not yet reached the hour mark. 

His fifth goal was another intelligent finish.  

An intelligent ball played down the inside-right channel by Milton Casco was gratefully received by Alvarez who made a typically intelligent run in behind the ailing defenders. 

Spotting his old foe Campos off his line, Alvarez did not take a touch until his beautifully lofted dink over the Peruvian 'keeper. 

Comparisons have been made between Alvarez and City's all-time leading scorer Sergio Aguero, naturally due to their shared nationality. 

Aguero's record for City was five goals in one game, but Alvarez went one better for River Plate here. 

His sixth, and final, goal saw him pick the ball up on the edge of the area with a number of defenders around him. Spotting space, he jinked inside one player before darting round another and unleashing a rasping left-footed drive beyond the helpless goalkeeper. 

City fans will be most delighted by the variety of goals on show from Alvarez, as well as his desire to work hard and make opportunities for himself it seems.

Having just claimed the 2021/22 title, City supporters on social media were already fawning over the prospect of Alvarez and Erling Haaland linking up next season.

'The Premier League isn't ready for Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez on the same team as Kevin De Bruyne,' one fan said. 

Another noted: 'Just the six goals in one game for Julian Alvarez. £15m for him will go down as a ridiculous piece of business.'