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There are many ways in which a truly great player can be defined. Their ability with a ball, their goal scoring record, their work ethic and their loyalty are all factors that determine just how high they stand atop the star-studded pedestals we put them on.
Players of this calibre often achieve a new level of recognition once they finally depart the football club, and the fans, that they have served so well. They vacate their place on the glistening pedestal and begin their ascension to immortality, where they reside ever more with the legends of the club.
The golden halls that encompass the legendary plinth at Arsenal provide a home for the most well-known and well-respected Gunners of all time. Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Tony Adams are among the celestial company that look down at every kick-off, ready to welcome another player to their midst.
For a long time now the key that unlocks the door to the Promised Land has remained untouched upon its shelf. Cliff Bastin sits idly by waiting for the day that he may once again open the great doors and introduce a new man to the circle.
There have been those that were destined for greatness at Arsenal, those who were destined to push the boundary and proceed to fight for immortality, but they faltered.
Cesc Fabregas was on an upward trajectory that would have seen him burst in to the great hall and take up a seat next to David Rocastle before Cliff could have even reached for the key. But it was not meant to be.
There is new hope, though. A player who is displaying all the hallmarks required to one-day claim his place as an Arsenal legend. A fierce Chilean who is currently doing everything within his power to lift a team who are low on confidence and restore them to their best.
Alexis Sanchez’s dazzling displays lay out his footballing ability to all who watch him. His tenacity serves as inspiration to those who play with him and give hope to Gooners that a spark is still present in the current team. It is only a matter of time before that spark catches and sets alight the talent in the team that has so far lain dormant this season.
His desire to fight for the cause has been a shining light at Arsenal so far and his capacity to score and create goals maintains the fear factor at the club that plays on the minds of opposition defenders.
Should he choose to take it, there is a journey awaiting Alexis at Arsenal that is well worth travelling. A journey of affection, celebration and success that many before him have walked and embraced, whilst producing magic on a football pitch that has remained in the hearts of Gooners around the globe.
Alexis Sanchez’s talent and potential means he could one day be on his way to residing in the golden halls with the greats who have each written their chapter in history, and helped to make Arsenal Football Club what it is today.