A brief look at the career of Alexis Sanchez tells you he has all he needs to make it in the Premier League…
SEE ALSO: The Best Liverpool goals.
Barcelona’s Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez has been heavily linked with a move to both Arsenal and Liverpool this summer. Liverpool are thought to be demanding Sanchez be part of any deal that takes Luis Suarez to the Nou Camp, while the player himself is thought to prefer a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Either way, it looks likely that the 25-year-old could be on his way to the Premier League before the new season kicks-off in August. Such a move will be another great moment for the star attacker, who hugely impressed at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Here is a look at his career so far:
Sanchez Joins Udinese As A Teenager…
After starting his career with Cobreloa, Colo-Colo and River Plate, a 19-year-old Sanchez moved to Italian side Udinese is 2008, two years after making his international debut. After a difficult start to life in Europe, Sanchez became a key player for Udinese as they advanced to the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia in 2010.
The following year, he scored four goals in the 7-0 win over Palermo, despite playing only the opening 52 minutes of the game – breaking the record of goals scored by a Chilean player in a single match in Serie A. He struck up a destructive partnership with Antonio Di Natale, as the pair netted 39 goals between them.
Sanchez Makes His World Cup Debut…
In 2010 Sanchez travelled to South Africa as part of the Chilean World Cup squad. He played in all three group games as Chile defeated Honduras and Switzerland 1-0, before a 2-1 defeat to eventual winners Spain. Despite the loss, Chile still advanced from the group in second place.
Chile exited the competition in the Round of 16, losing 3-0 to Brazil. However, Sanchez was voted the most promising youngster in the world just six months later in a FIFA poll, beating the likes of Gareth Bale, Javier Pastore and Neymar to the award.
Sanchez Joins Barcelona…
Sanchez became Barcelona’s first ever Chilean signing in July 2011, with an initial fee of €26 million (with a further €11.5m possible with add-on’s). He managed 26 goals and 19 assists during his first two years at the club, before achieving his beast season at the Nou Camp in 2013-14, scoring 21 times and making another 15 assists in 54 games.
Sanchez Stars In Brazil…
Now the main man for his country, all eyes were on Sanchez as Chilean’s golden generation headed for Brazil. He did not disappoint, scoring one and making another as his country won their opener 3-1 against Australia. He impressed again as Chile stunned World Champions Spain 2-0, and qualification was already secured before the 2-0 defeat to the Netherlands.
Sanchez then grabbed the equaliser as Chile held Brazil to a 1-1 draw in the Last 16, in a repeat of their match from four years earlier. He then unfortunately missed a penalty, as his side exited the competition.
Sanchez Linked With Premier League Move…
With Barcelona seemingly intent on piecing together an all-star attacking line-up of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez, Sanchez has been heavily linked with a move away from the Nou Camp this summer.
Barcelona are willing to let the player go, but only if the deal suits them. The Daily Mail have reported that Sanchez would prefer a move to Arsenal, but Barca remain keen on using him as part of the Suarez deal.
