3) Alexis Sanchez
Alexis Sanchez was the reason Arsenal finished as high as they did in the 2014/15 season. The Chilean had a brilliant campaign and was miles ahead of any other Gunners’ player in terms of performance.
Sanchez ended the 2014/15 season in style by winning the Copa America with Chile beating finalists Argentina. But since then the forward hasn’t had the best of times for his club. He endured his longest ever period on the sidelines in 2015/16 season.
Arsenal missed out big time last campaign as Leicester City were crowned champions of England in May. Sanchez’s poor form was one of the key reasons the Gunners couldn’t cross the finish line in 1st place. Sanchez was left frustrated at times and once went straight down the tunnel after being substituted early.
But despite several anonymous performances, he still managed to finish as the club’s second highest scorer with 17 behind Olivier Giroud.Sanchez is a very important man for his national side. Their former coach Jorge Sampaoli holds him in high regards.
Sampaoli played Sanchez even when he was at risk of getting injured after Arsenal requested him not to play their star man. But the coach had no choice because he knew the importance of his talisman. Chile will be hoping they can retain their crown but a lot will depend on whether Alexis Sanchez turns up.
