Manchester United vs Tottenham: 5 reasons why Alexis Sanchez could be key for the Red Devils

Manchester United v Leicester City - Premier League
Sanchez hasn't enjoyed the best of times at Old Trafford

#3 His passing ability

AC Milan v Manchester United - International Champions Cup 2018
Sanchez has the uncanny ability to play an accurate forward pass

Since his debut in the Premier League, Sanchez has completed 6038 passes, averaging almost 45 passes per game. Those are high numbers for a left forward. He has 28 assists to his name during that time and has created 47 chances.

He also has completed 375 crosses. No one in the current United team come close to those numbers and that's why Sanchez is such a vital cog in the Manchester United system right now.

Last season, Sanchez played 1455 passes, the most of all forward players in the Premier League. Since joining United in January, Sanchez completed 582 passes. For the record, in the whole of last season, Martial completed 731 passes and Rashford completed 576 passes.

The former Arsenal man also had the most touches on the ball among all the forward players in the league last season – 2165. Hazard with 2010 touches was second. There are no United players in the top 20 in that list.

Sanchez completed 97 crosses in the Premier League last season, whereas Rashford and Martial could conjure 81 and 48 respectively. In addition, Sanchez attempted 29 through balls last season, second only to Kevin De Bryne in the whole of the league. His United teammate and current captain, Paul Pogba attempted 15.

Sanchez has the ability to bring his teammates into the play. He holds the ball well, switches flanks with ease and has a range of passes in his arsenal. United will need his passing abilities and his vision against Tottenham.

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