They might not have won anything just yet, but Arsenal’s current squad is undoubtedly the best they’ve had for a generation.
Mikel Arteta has an embarrassment of riches from front to back, and so long as they get a bit of luck with injuries this year, they could finally get their hands on the Premier League title come May.
With that said, while the squad is the best it’s ever been in the Emirates era, there are a few players from the last decade or so who’d make it in, such as the incredible Alexis Sanchez.
The Chilean international was a total game-changer during his time at Arsenal, and in brilliant news, it looks like Arteta could have his own version of the magician within a couple of years.
Why Sanchez would be perfect for this Arsenal team
Now, even though Arsenal’s current squad is arguably the best in the entire Premier League, there are a few reasons why the Sanchez of 2014-2018 would be a perfect addition.
One of the most significant is that, for all the immense talent at Arteta’s disposal, it would be fair to say that there is an absence of world-class talent on the left wing.
For example, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard can certainly do a job, but leave a lot to be desired and, as exceptional as Eberechi Eze is, he’s at his best in central areas.
Left Winger
81
35
19
Centre-Forward
37
21
13
Right Winger
24
9
8
Attacking Midfield
16
9
4
Second Striker
8
6
0
The Chilean, on the other hand, did play in several positions at the Emirates, but played off the left more than anywhere else.
This leads to the second reason he’d be a shoo-in for a starting berth in the team: his output.
During his time in North London, the former Barcelona star racked up a monstrous tally of 80 goals and 44 assists in 166 games, totalling 13556 minutes.
In other words, he averaged a goal involvement every 1.33 game, or every 109.32 minutes across a four and a half year spell with the club.
If the manager had someone like him in this current team, there would be little to no discussion over the Gunners’ lack of open play threat, of that we can be certain.
With all that said, Sanchez is now 36 years old and nowhere near the player he once was, although, while Arsenal can’t get him back at his best, Hale End has just produced someone who could be a new version of him.
Arsenal's future Sanchez
Now, when talking about someone who could develop into a Sanchez-type player for Arsenal in the future, some may think of Bukayo Saka for his talismanic qualities, or even Ethan Nwaneri for how much of a goal threat he was last season.
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However, while the former is already a superstar for the club and the latter will almost certainly be, neither is the player in question.
Instead, it’s the exceptionally gifted Max Dowman who could one day begin to emulate the Chilean for Arteta and Co.
Yes, that is a bold thing to say about someone who is still just 15 years old, but based on what fans saw in the summer and what they’ve seen in the season proper, it doesn’t feel too far off the mark.
For example, in the pre-season game against Newcastle United, he looked almost unplayable and, as respected analyst Ben Mattinson pointed out, was “humiliating Premier League players” as if it was nothing.
It was the same story at home to Leeds United in the Premier League a few weeks later, a game in which he won another penalty thanks to his incredible close control.
Finally, in his most recent performance, against Brighton & Hove Albion in the League Cup, there is a strong argument to be made that he was the best player on the pitch.
For example, in just 71 minutes of action, the teenage sensation attempted nine dribbles, which, according to one Sky Sports analyst, was the “most by any Arsenal player in any game all season.”
In other words, the incredible “foul magnet,” as dubbed by Mattinson, was the one making things happen for his team, and it’s just a matter of time until he opens his account.
Ultimately, even though it is so early in Dowman’s career, he’s already looking like one of the most dangerous players in this Arsenal team.
Moreover, thanks to his exceptional dribbling ability and direct style of play, there is every chance he could become Arteta’s own Sanchez.
