For all athletes, desire is arguably the strongest and most available tool at one’s disposal. Often a catalyst in pressure situations, the will to win serves as the driving force for most top performers.
In their last Premier League campaign, Arsenal’s source of inspiration was Aaron Ramsey, who rightfully earned club player of the year honors with just 23 league appearances. This season, Arsenal have a new hero in the Chilean Alexis Sanchez, whose contributions are the main reason Arsenal are where they are in the league table.
Since joining Arsenal for 35 million pounds from Barcelona, Alexis Sanchez has taken London by storm. With his extravagant technique and fearless creativity, the Chile international’s injection of energy into the Gunner’s lineup has not just showcased his own abilities, but has had a mercurial influence on the rest of the squad.
In Saturday’s showdown with Burnley, Alexis was granted the freedom to roam across the attacking side of the pitch, and did not disappoint. Aside from his two well-taken goals, the Chilean created several chances with his vastly improved passing and eye for the dramatic game-changing touch.
However, the fact remains that Alexis’ most undeniable trait is his desire with and without the ball. His movements are that of a tornado, and his stamina is that of a fully-grown marlin. With the ball at his feet, he will stop at nothing to make a key contribution, and his persistence without the ball is comparable to that of Luis Suarez.
Thus far, Arsenal’s season has been plagued by injury. Theo Walcott made his long-awaited return, Aaron Ramsey is just coming back from a long layoff, while stars Mesut Ozil, Olivier Giroud, Laurent Koscielny, and Mathieu Debuchy remain sidelined.
Having already faced Everton, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Tottenham, Arsenal have already faced stiff competition yet remain in the top four. Any supporter will tell you that simply finishing in the top four isn’t the overlying goal of the club (contrary to the assumptions of many), but at this point in the season it’s a manageable position in which to concoct a title challenge.
With that being said, Alexis’ value cannot be overstated. Perhaps the most terrifying prospect for the rest of the league is that he can only improve. In his two goal performance on Saturday, Alexis had several attempts on goal which would have been reminiscent of strikes from Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp had they been converted.
In addition to desire, confidence is another characteristic of Alexis which stands out. It’s clear that he is a soloist with the ball, and like a musician, it requires confidence to take defenders on head-to-head with other options available.
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Main Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
