Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that he made life difficult for Alexis Sanchez during his time at Barcelona, but believes Arsenal are seeing the very best of the Chilean forward.
The 45-year-old signed Sanchez from Udinese in a £30m deal in 2011, mainly using the versatile ace out wide at Camp Nou and occasionally through the middle.
Sanchez has been one of the players of the season in the Premier League this term, scoring 12 times - including a hat-trick against West Ham United earlier this month - having been used as more of a central striker by Arsene Wenger at Arsenal.
Ahead of Sunday afternoon's clash between the Gunners and City, Guardiola applauds his opposite number for making full use of Sanchez's attacking abilities, while also conceding that he perhaps hindered the player's development during his time in Catalonia.
"He played really good in Barcelona but normally when you play with [Lionel] Messi all the players beside him are not at his level," he told Sky Sports News. "I think the position Arsenal are using him as a striker, in front, it is perfect for him. In Barcelona maybe I didn't help him too much because he played wide.
"He can do that but he is better between the lines, closer to the goal. In some moments he played there, especially one game against Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals. He played as a striker and after 40 minutes we went 2-0 up but it was an unlucky game and we lost and Chelsea reached the final.
"He can play there and in several positions - left, right. He is a fighter in spirit, he is a character, he is a winner. He is a class, class player and now he is playing really well."
Sanchez is still locked in talks with Arsenal over a new long-term deal, claiming that the ball is now in the Gunners' court over meeting his expectations.
Daniel Lewis
