Alexis Sanchez
You were probably waiting for this inclusion weren’t you? Of course I couldn’t keep out arguably Arsenal’s player of the season. Sanchez has arguably been Arsenal’s brightest attacking talent since the days of Thierry Henry.
The Chilean was brought in from Barcelona after the World Cup, after initial interest from Liverpool, who eventually ended up with Mario Balotelli. The excitement amongst the Arsenal faithful was very apparent, as his talent was well known during his days in Spain. So big things were expected for the 26 year-old when he arrived.
Alexis had been making the name on everyone’s tongue for much of the season, hitting memorable strikes against Manchester City, Southampton, Hull and Dortmund in all competitions. But it was during a spell after Christmas which saw the Chilean lose a little of that early season sparkle, going through something of a goal drought in a considerable amount of games.
But it wasn’t long before he found his scoring boot again.
Liverpool’s loss was definitely our gain, as he could’ve been the man to replace the already departed Luis Suarez, to the Spanish giants, and reminding them of his electric talent when banging in a fierce goal during the 4-1 demolition in April.
That goal was one of 16 league goals and 24 in all competitions already, in his debut season at the Emirates, along with 11 assists. This has got to be one of the quickest adaptations to top flight English football on record. 3 times in succession he’s been named player of the month award for Arsenal, and he’s made the PFA team for the year, whilst has also been nominated for player of the year.
After already lifting the community shield in August, his dream start to life in England could be topped off with an FA Cup trophy at the end of the month.