Arsenal

Alexis Sanchez taking inspiration from ex-teammate Lionel Messi

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 23 November 2016

Alexis Sanchez aims to mirror his more advanced attacking role at Arsenal on Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, who he linked up with during his time at Camp Nou.

Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez has revealed that he is looking to model his game on former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi.

The Chile international has often been used in a central-attacking role for the Gunners this term, shifting from his more customary starting position from out wide.

Boss Arsene Wenger has been impressed by Sanchez's displays since making the tweak to Arsenal's lineup, describing his performance against Manchester United last time out as "remarkable", and the 27-year-old admits that he is looking to learn from the very best.

"I like the way that Lionel Messi plays," he told the club's official website. "He likes to drop deep and let other players run on ahead of him, like Jordi Alba, Dani Alves and myself, when I used to play on the right there, then look to find him in the middle again.

"Not quite a false nine. I like getting involved in the play more rather than chasing the ball. I like seeing lots of the ball because I have the chance to drop deep and that means I can link up with my teammates more."

Sanchez has eight goals and five assists in 16 appearances for Arsenal this term in all competitions.