3. He Can Play Through The Middle Or Out Wide
Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP/Press Association ImagesVersatility is clearly a highly rated characteristic in Arsenal's squad, and it has long been a key contributing part in the teams success. Look through the Gunners team and you will soon see that nearly every member can play more than one role. Its importance is explained by the tactical makeup of Arsene Wengers side: the style of Arsenals play is based on fluidity and possession, with players swapping roles and moving about freely in an attempt to prise open the oppositions defence. For that, a players versatility is of great significance: Theo Walcott may start out wide, but he is given the licence to drift in and exploit the space in those central areas; Aaron Ramsey may play alongside Mikel Arteta in a deeper role, but he has the freedom to drive past the more forward Mesut Ozil and break into the box. In Sanchez, Arsenal are signing a player who suits that style. At Barcelona he played all across a forward front-three, showcasing that he is not simply an out and out winger; indeed at the World Cup it was the same story, with Sanchez playing in a central striking role alongside Eduardo Vargas. Sanchez would fill two positions in Arsenals squad: he would represent a new winger, while also providing Wenger with an alternative to striker Olivier Giroud. As shown by his displays with Chile, Sanchez could in fact even play with the France international as part of a front-two. To put it simply, why sign two players when you can sign one? In Sanchez Arsenal are getting a world class winger and striker, who can influence the game from either role. Would you rather sign Loic Remy and Jay Rodriguez or Sanchez? It shouldn't even be a question.