Cristian Darío Álvarez

Cristian Darío Álvarez Azad (born 13 November 1985) is an Argentine professional footballer who plays for Spanish club Real Zaragoza as a goalkeeper.

For other people named Cristian Álvarez, see Cristian Álvarez (disambiguation).
In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Álvarez and the second or maternal family name is Azad.
Cristian Álvarez
Álvarez in action for Espanyol in 2009
Personal information
Full name Cristian Darío Álvarez Azad
Date of birth (1985-11-13) 13 November 1985
Place of birth General Lagos, Argentina
Height 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in)
Position(s) Goalkeeper
Club information
Current team
 Zaragoza
Number 1
Youth career
2001–2005 Rosario Central
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2005–2008 Rosario Central 62 (0)
2008–2013 Espanyol 55 (0)
2013–2016 San Lorenzo 10 (0)
2014–2015 → Rayo Vallecano (loan) 17 (0)
2015–2016 → Cerro Porteño (loan) 22 (0)
2017– Zaragoza 131 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 8 January 2021

Club career

Born in General Lagos, Santa Fe, Álvarez came through the youth ranks at hometown club Rosario Central, making his first-team debut in a Copa Libertadores game against Paraguayan side Cerro Porteño on 23 February 2006, a 0–2 home defeat. He went on to fully establish himself as first choice, playing two seasons in the Primera División.

In late May 2008, Álvarez joined Spanish team RCD Espanyol, signing a five-year contract.[1] He spent most of his spell with the Catalans restricted to Copa del Rey matches, being barred in La Liga by Cameroonian Carlos Kameni; his longest run in the latter competition came during the 2009–10 season as the starter had been selected to the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations and he played four matches, conceding as many goals in two wins, one draw and one loss.[2]

Álvarez was promoted to first choice for the start of the 2011–12 campaign by manager Mauricio Pochettino, with Kameni also still in Espanyol's roster.[3]

Honours

San Lorenzo

References
  1. Cristian Álvarez: "No me considero un suplente" (Cristian Álvarez: "I don't see myself as a backup"); Marca, 27 May 2008 (in Spanish)
  2. Kameni vuelve al once y Tamudo sigue fuera (Kameni returns to the XI and Tamudo is still out); Diario AS, 4 February 2010 (in Spanish)
  3. Kameni: De titular a ni ser suplente (Kameni: From starter to not even a backup); Mundo Deportivo, 11 January 2012 (in Spanish)
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