Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was recently interviewed by one of the greatest icons of the club Thierry Henry, and one of the topics of conversation was the position of Alexis Sanchez.
Arsene Wenger recently sat down for an interview with club legend Thierry Henry after completing 20 years with the North London side. One of the subjects that came up was the Alexis Sanchez’s position in the team.
The Chilean has been playing in a central striker role of late instead of his usual position on the wing, and Henry asked Wenger to reveal some of his thought process behind that decision.
“I reflected at the end of the season and I decided to try it with Sanchez. He has similarities with (Luis) Suarez. He goes at you,” Wenger told his former ward, according to the Daily Mail.
“Remember at the start many people questioned the decision. The few times I had tried him there before he was not convincing. In the first two games I was not convinced but now game after game he is growing into this position and getting better and better.”
After Arsenal’s frustrating search for a striker led to the signing of Lucas Perez from Deportivo, most thought that the Spaniard would become first choice. However, Perez has started only two games for the Gunners so far and it is currently very difficult for him to break into an in-form first team.
Wenger has pulled off a masterstroke by now playing Alexis Sanchez as central striker. The decision was initially met with criticism, but has since paid rich dividends. The Chilean has now notched up four goals and four assists in nine appearances as the club’s central striker.
The attacking qualities of the Chilean seem to have been accentuated by the shift in position. The change also helps Wenger get the best out of the many talented midfielders he has at his disposal. It remains to be seen if this tactical move can help the Frenchman compete for an elusive Premier League title.
