Alexis Sanchez modelling new Arsenal role on Lionel Messi
Wednesday 23 November 2016 18:15, UK
Alexis Sanchez says he wants to become the same focal point of attack at Arsenal as Lionel Messi at Barcelona.
Arsene Wenger has altered his line-up at the Gunners this season to make Sanchez the central forward, having played much of the 2015-16 campaign from the wing, while Olivier Giroud has been left on the bench.
Giroud came on to score a late equaliser in Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Saturday, but Wenger described Sanchez's 90-minute performance as "remarkable" after playing two games with Chile on international duty.
Sanchez has revealed he is enjoying the new role and looking to model his game on his former Barcelona team-mate in order to bring other players into play.
"I like the way that Lionel Messi plays," Alexis told Arsenal Player. "He likes to drop deep and let other players run on ahead of him, like Jordi Alba, Dani Alves and myself, when I used to play on the right there, then look to find him in the middle again.
"Not quite a false nine. I like getting involved in the play more rather than chasing the ball. I like seeing lots of the ball because I have the chance to drop deep and that means I can link up with my team-mates more."
Sanchez has started 11 of Arsenal's 12 Premier League games this season, scoring six goals and contributing three assists, while Giroud has scored three league goals but has yet to start a game in the current top-flight campaign.
Arsenal take on Bournemouth at the Emirates in their next league game, live on Sky Sports Super Sunday.
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