4 – Alexis Sánchez
Alexis Sánchez. Alexis Sánchez. Alexis Sánchez. Typing his name never gets old.
Alexis Sánchez – that’s the fifth time now – is undoubtedly one of the best players in world football, and the fact he only cost Arsenal around £32 million is unbelievable considering today’s market.
Fast, powerful, skilful, intelligent, disciplined – I could list one hundred superlatives and still not be done praising the 25-year-old. Alexis really does have it all. He produces moments of magic on a consistent basis, and is capable of creating chances from nothing. His time at Barcelona has educated him on Arsenal’s style of football and I therefore think he will be able to slot into our team without any problems whatsoever.
I’d argue that Sánchez is the best striker/winger Arsenal – or any club for that matter – could have signed this summer, and he would be near enough top of the list if you included strikers/wingers that weren’t available, too. Apart from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, I’d be hard pushed to name a player that would be capable of producing performances of the same quality, out wide and as a centre-forward, that Alexis will be able to. Although there are plenty that specialize in one role, next to none can do both to such a high standard.
I don’t think Alexis’ grade will come as a surprised given the praise I have given him. For £32 million, Arsene Wenger has brought a truly world-class player to the Emirates. Here’s hoping more will follow him in the years to come.
10/10