El Niño Maravilla - Alexis Sanchez analysis
Sanchez’s defensive work:
Sanchez’s defensive work – Like the Chileans showed at the World Cup, when it comes to pressing aggressively and working for the team, not many do it better. Both Barcelona and Chile press high with the aim of winning the ball back as quickly as possible – Sanchez has played a big part in that. As the images above show, as soon as the ball is played into his zone he presses quickly forcing them to make a decision. He’ll chase down any lost cause which is a rarity for a world class attacker and it’s one of the characteristics that stand out with him, whenever he plays as a striker or gets in those positions he always pushes and adds pressure on the keeper and defenders, chases the ball and goes directly on it causing the oppositions to make a quick decision under pressure which usually is a lose ball and it can prevent a conceded goal. In Arsenal’s system it’s likely less effort will go into pressing high unless the system is altered, and more focus will be tracking the opposition fullback to prevent 2v1’s with Debuchy. Barcelona’s 4-3-3 and Chile’s 3-4-1-2 are both set up to win the ball higher up the pitch, whereas Arsenal (last season mainly) focus more on keeping shape. Given Sanchez’s willingness to work for the team, I have no doubts he’ll do a good job tracking back. As I am talking about Sanchez’s defensive work, his stats are impressive and justify his actions on the pitch. In total of 179 games (135 starts, 44 off bench apps), the Chilean averages 1.5 tackles per game, 0.7 interceptions per game, 1.5 fouls, 0.2 clearances and 0.1 blocked shots per game. Also, he’s a very hard player to pass as he’s only dribbled past 0.4 times per game in 179 apps. Very impressive for a forward and overall rating for his defensive duty according to WhoScored, would be 7.27. More than satisfying. And to back the statement up about Sanchez and his intensive work and defensive contribution, I recommend you to take a closer look at this specific situation:
As I mentioned in the start, with the addition of Alexis Sanchez, we’ll have much more options to choose from and allow ourselves to rotate when some crucial players are tired and need rest. There are few interesting lineups that Arsene can consider for home, away, Cup or big games and all are worth relying one.
A new defensive mid/Arteta – Ramsey, Alexis, Ozil, Chamberlain/Cazorla, Giroud
A new defensive mid/Arteta- Ramsey/Jack/Ox, Ozil, Walcott, Ox/Cazorla, Sanchez
Arteta – Ramsey, Jack, Cazorla, Ox, Sanchez/Giroud
Arteta, Aaron – Jack, Ozil, Giroud – Alexis
Walcott - A new defensive mid /Arteta –Aaron – Ozil , Giroud – Sanchez
These are the five front line lineups I could think of in the first place, allows us to rotate and rest players. Worth mentioning we still have Diaby, Flamini, Rosicky, Gnabry, Sanogo, Joel Campbell and Podolski all vital in rotation, so it won’t be a problem for us as we’ve boosted our options no matter what. I might have missed out on some other possibilities but these 5 came up in my mind immediately.
Honours:
Throughout his entire career Alexis Sanchez has been very successful with his clubs, especially with Barcelona. He’s a born fighter and most importantly, a born winner. A world class forward by all standards.
With Colo-Colo: 2006 Clausura, 2007 Apertura
With River Plate: 2008 Clausura
With Barcelona: La Liga (12/13), Copa del Rey (11/12), Supercopa de Espana (2011, 2013), UEFA Super Cup (2011) and FIFA Club World Cup (2011)
International basis: FIFA U-20 World Cup: 3rd place (2007)
Individual awards: Seria A Player of the Month (February 2011)
Here’s Alexis’ entire professional career so far in numbers:
All in all, we should all be pleased with this transfer and the influence that Alexis will have on game. Personally, I think he’ll add something else and change the whole attacking approach, mainly cause of his pace and directness. A definite success will follow with this transfer. We’ve made a big, big statement and we’re able to thrive in every competition with it. Atmosphere around the club was outstanding since it was known that the Chilean will join, something very special, it brought many fans together and it still hasn’t gone away, I’m talking about the feeling when everyone was happy with this signing. It brought the smile back on the fans as it was the first transfer, no more negativity nor frustrating faces around Arsenal’s fan base. Let this be just another addition to an already winning team, a team that knows how it feels to win.
To Alexis Sanchez and to the lovely, new, golden winning era ahead at Arsenal with Wenger in charge.
Thank you for reading, I really hope you enjoyed it.
@mampov10Tell us what you think! If you agree, or have a different view, please leave a comment in the comments section or why not write a response or your own article on YouWrite?
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