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's early career began in General Lagos, Santa Fe Province, where he progressed through the youth ranks at Rosario Central before making his professional debut in a Copa Libertadores game against Cerro Porteño on 23 February 2006, resulting in a home defeat of 0-2.