Former Arsenal player Charlie Nicholas has claimed that Alexis Sanchez is a top-class player but suggested that the striker should amend his on-field antics.
The 27-year-old’s, whose current contract with the North London club will expire in the summer of 2018 has been in brilliant form this season scoring 14 times(as per WhoScored.com) for the Gunners this season.
The Chilean netted as Arsenal came back from 3-0 down to scrape a point but was clearly dissatisfied with the result and reportedly spoke to nobody in the dressing room after the game.
The pundit further added that he is unaware of the reason for his behavior but feels that the forward should be sold, if he doesn’t change.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said:
“Alexis Sanchez is throwing tantrums because he was doing brilliantly before Olivier Giroud came in.”
“Yes, Giroud is scoring goals but what else does he do? Sanchez was doing that and far more.”
“Saying that, Sanchez is a top-class player but he’s got no divine right to just stand out wide and expect everybody to pass to him.”
“I don’t know what is going on with him – I think he needs telling and if he doesn’t change he needs selling.”
Firstly to make it clear, I am not in agreement with any of Charlie’s comments.
I do agree that Alexis Sanchez was visibly frustrated with his teammates, entering into debate couple of times. He was whipping off his gloves while also raging at the Gunners inability to win what should have been as easy victory as they were looking to keep up the pace with League leaders Chelsea.
He has a winner’s attitude and viewed the draw as a downright disaster, which is what most of the players should be doing. The unrelenting passion that Sanchez brings is born out of his ruthless will to win. He is a winner and he is very unhappy if his team does not win.
The Gunners, in recent history, have rightly been criticized for failing to cultivate a winning culture and what the Chilean did after the game is justified by that same mentality.
The Chilean is an essential piece of the Arsenal jigsaw. Selling him would be wholly detrimental. His passion is a precious commodity that would be difficult to replace.
