Can Alexis Sanchez Still Dominate Soccer? His Current Form Analyzed
I remember watching Alexis Sanchez during his peak at Arsenal and thinking this was a player who could single-handedly change games. His explosive pace, clinical finishing, and relentless work rate made him one of the most feared forwards in the Premier League. Fast forward to today, and the conversation has shifted dramatically. The question isn't whether he can reach those heights again, but whether he can still dominate at any level of professional soccer. Watching his recent performances for Inter Milan and the Chilean national team, I've noticed significant changes in his game that make this discussion particularly fascinating.
There's an interesting parallel I can't help but draw with the recent UAAP Season 87 men's basketball championship in the Philippines. The University of Philippines celebrated their triumph in front of a record crowd of 25,936 fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, and what struck me was how veteran players can still dominate through experience and basketball IQ even when their physical attributes decline. Sanchez finds himself in a similar position - his football intelligence remains sharp, but the explosive acceleration that once defined his game has noticeably diminished. Statistics from his last season with Inter show he played 1,842 minutes across all competitions, scoring just 7 goals and providing 5 assists. These numbers are a far cry from his 30-goal contributions during the 2016-17 season with Arsenal.
What's particularly telling is how his role has evolved. Instead of being the focal point of attacks, he's now often deployed in deeper positions where his vision and passing range can influence the game differently. I've noticed he's developed a tendency to drop between lines to initiate build-up play, completing 82.3% of his passes in the final third last season. While this demonstrates his adaptability, it also signals that coaches no longer see him as the primary goal threat. His defensive contributions have actually improved - he averages 1.8 tackles per 90 minutes now compared to 1.2 during his Arsenal days - but that's partly because he's tracking back more frequently rather than making forward runs.
The physical decline is undeniable when you watch him closely. His sprint distance has decreased by approximately 18% since 2017, and he's winning fewer aerial duels despite being involved in more of them. However, what keeps him relevant is his game intelligence. I've observed how he now uses clever positioning and anticipation to compensate for lost pace, often arriving in the box at precisely the right moment. His technical ability remains exceptional - his first touch is still among the best I've seen, and his close control in tight spaces continues to be a valuable asset. These qualities allow him to contribute meaningfully, even if not in the dominant fashion we remember.
Looking at Sanchez's situation holistically, I believe he can still be an impactful player at top-level clubs, just not in the way we traditionally expect stars to dominate. His experience and technical quality make him valuable for squad depth and specific tactical situations, much like how veteran players in other sports transition into supporting roles while still contributing to championship runs. The record crowd of 25,936 that witnessed University of Philippines' basketball triumph understood that dominance isn't always about individual statistics but about knowing how to win when it matters most. Sanchez may never again be the player who terrorized defenses weekly, but his evolved game intelligence and technical mastery suggest he still has plenty to offer at the highest level for another season or two before considering less competitive leagues.
