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Arsenal: Alexis Sanchez is one of the best strikers in the Premier League

By Craig Pearson

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 03: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal at London Stadium on December 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 03: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal at London Stadium on December 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez is one of the best strikers in the Premier League – who would of thought that six months ago? Well, as it turns out, Arsene Wenger did.

Alexis Sanchez has been one of the best wingers in the Premier League since joining Arsenal two and a half years ago. So when Arsene Wenger decided to play the wide man as the Gunners lone striker, there was understandably hesitation among Arsenal fans.

However, it seems Wenger knew exactly what he was doing. There’s been a trend in the game in recent years where where more and more, either a winger or playmaker is converted into being a striker – sometimes a false 9.

Much of the time it becomes an option for a team. But for Arsenal, it seems Sanchez was more of a long-term decision by Wenger. Since becoming Arsenal’s main hitman at the start of this season, Sanchez has scored 11 goals in 14 games.

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That strike tally sees Sanchez sit as the Premier League’s second-highest goalscorer behind only Diego Costa. In addition to his 11 goals, Sanchez also has four assists to his name – which puts him in the top 10 for assists.

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The crowning moment so far for Sanchez came on Saturday as Arsenal scored five against West Ham, with Sanchez scoring three of the goals. The game as a whole showcased just why Sanchez is such a perfect fit as a striker. Ultimately, it’s not exclusively about goals.

Sanchez is a perfectly rounded player. Not only does he score and assist, but he is selfless in possession, aids the team’s build-up play, constantly makes runs off the ball, drops deeps, runs in behind, presses the opposition tirelessly and is also a great team player.

Sanchez can do it all, pretty much. The 27-year-old has long since been admired as a world class player, but now it is time to acknowledge him as a world class striker. Already. It may only have been just over a quarter of the season, but it’s not like Sanchez is a new kid on the block.

Everybody knows his quality. The only question mark around him as a striker was whether the goal tally would be high enough. So far it is, and really, there is no reason for that to change. Sanchez is a good finisher who is calm and composed in front of goal.

He scores all types of goals, too. Already he has notched with both his left and right foot and also his head this season. The Chilean can score individual goals, he can finish off a team goal, he can score from range and he’s even poached a few goals like an experienced front man.

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Sanchez has already shown more variety than most strikers around the Premier League this season, and he’s only been a striker for 11 games. Alexis Sanchez is now one of the best strikers in England’s top flight.

Which is something that nobody saw coming. Nobody except Arsene Wenger, that is.

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