Player Age: 26
Appearances (all comps): 52
Goals (all comps): 25
Assists (all comps): 12
Fresh Arsenal Season Rating: 9
Alexis Sánchez made almost an instant impact at Arsenal, scoring his first goal for the club in the Champions League qualifier against Besiktas, guaranteeing Arsenal a 17th successive season in Europe’s elite competition. Since then he has provided many moments of magic during his first season in English football, settling in quickly and living up to his transfer fee.
His trickery, fearlessness and determination have pushed the club further towards challenging for the Premier League once again, and have added the star quality that the team has been lacking in recent years. He is the first Arsenal player since Thierry Henry to rack up more than 20 goals in his opening season, and with the quality he possesses, that goal tally will likely increase next season.
Alexis did drop out of form for a short period of time, but that is to be expected in a player’s first season in England. It was clear at times during that spell that he was beginning to tire, but it was his desire to play every game that kept him on the team sheet, even when Arsène Wenger wanted to rest him.
In his first season at the club he lifted the FA Cup, but did later say that he was disappointed with his season. He is a winner, and Premier League and Champions League success is what he is gunning for next season.
Moment of the season: There were a lot to choose from, including some inspirational goals and some moments of magical control and trickery. However, Alexis’ moment of the season has to be his goal in the FA Cup final. His powerful, long range strike left Shay Given helpless. A big goal, from a big player, on a big occasion. It’s just what the team needs.
Current Value: £38,000,000
Potential Value: £50,000,000