Alexis Sanchez has been nominated for PFA player of the year after a great first season with Arsenal. Sanchez has been a revelation since joining Arsenal inspiring the team to more hard working performances.
Alexis has brought a more dynamic style to this Arsenal team showing a directness when having the ball at his feet but has also contributed 14 league goals to the team as well as grabbing 8 assists.
The other nominations include Hazard, Costa, De Gea, Kane and Coutinho.
Although Hazard will be the most likely winner I do want to make a case for Sanchez as I believe he deserve the prestigious award the most.
Before looking at the stats , Sanchez overall work rate has been magnificent and has inspired his team mates around him who have now developed an attitude to press the ball on most occasions which is more than what anyone else has done.
The Stats
Sanchez has 14 goals from open play compared to 9 from Hazard, 4 from Coutinho and 17 from Kane which is remarkable for a player who has played on the wing for most of the season. Additionally, he an equal amount of assists to Hazard out of all of the nominations.
However, Sanchez leads the ways with 44 tackles won which powers above all of the nominations and shows the other side of Sanchez’s game and show he has an all-round game.
The main argument from opposing fans will be that his goals have dried up but his overall contribution has been there in terms of tackles and work rate which has led to Arsenal going on an impressive run.
Overall, Sanchez may not win PFA player of the year but I’m sure he will win Arsenal player of the year and it will be well deserved. Sanchez has brought a sense of excitement around the Emirates which makes fans get out of their seats when on the ball. Whatever happens Sanchez has had a fantastic season and has shown why he is a world class player.