Chilean World Cup star Alexis Sanchez has been relegated to the substitutes bench amid concerns he is slowing the ball down too much, according to reports.
Arsene Wenger and his coaching staff have become increasingly concerned that Sanchez’s heavy workload over summer and his tendency to take an extra touch are having an adverse effect on the North London club’s style of play.
After signing from Barcelona following the World Cup, the forward became an instant fan favourite and even started a couple of games in the lone striker role in the absence of Olivier Giroud. Since the club signed Danny Welbeck, the former Manchester United striker has started all four games up front while Sanchez has had to contend with the likes of Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere and Mesut Ozil for a wide attacking role.
The reason behind Sanchez dropping to the bench is a mixture of things; while he is a willing runner who has undoubted quality, he has struggled so far to exert himself physically against Premier League defenders. Often when receiving the ball with his back to goal he can concede possession too cheaply and leave his team in trouble. With this in mind Wenger and his team are working with Sanchez to turn him in to an even better player by improving his decision making and increasing the speed with which he moves the ball on.
The gunners hope that with an opportunity to rest after his World Cup heroics, and a few subtle changes to his game, Sanchez can become a real force to be reckoned with in the Premier League.
By Andrew Bell
