Born in General Lagos, Santa Fe Province, 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.
Álvarez emerged from General Lagos, Santa Fe Province, and worked his way up through the youth system at Rosario Central before making his first-team appearance in a Copa Libertadores match against Cerro Porteño on 23 February 2006, which ended in a 0-2 loss.