Arsenal's spark plug: Why Alexis Sanchez should win PFA Player of the Year

The adjustment period during a player’s first taste of the Premier League isn’t supposed to be as easy as Alexis Sanchez has made it look in his debut season with Arsenal.

He’s precisely the type of signing every team dreams about when scouring the transfer market for the next budding superstar capable of making an immediate impact.

Sanchez’s recognition as one of the Premier League’s brightest stars is a compliment to the influence he’s had on a promising Arsenal squad who appear on the verge of transitioning from a top four hopeful to an annual contender for the title.

The full display of Sanchez’s world-class attacking abilities were expected when Arsenal lured him away from Barcelona with the promise of a regular position in the first team. While Sanchez was finally given increased opportunities in his final season in Spain, his limited role with the Catalans only allowed for flashes of his brilliance, making him an attractive target as teams from around Europe monitored his transfer status during the weeks before the World Cup in Brazil.

The impressive performances for Chile only increased the demand following the tournament, with Barcelona offloading Sanchez in hopes of raising funds for the purchase of Luis Suarez, a player Sanchez has been regularly compared to during his time with Arsenal.

Arsenal’s second helping of a castaway from La Liga has been an extraordinary success. Sanchez’s presence in the midfield is only matched by a few special talents in the league, as his vision, ability to find space and relentless style cause havoc for opposing defenders on a weekly basis.

His 21 goals in all competitions for the Gunners already match his biggest single-season output with Barcelona. However, it’s his role as a central figure in the midfield that’s allowed those around him to flourish. While teams put a strong emphasis on containing Sanchez, opportunities are subsequently created throughout the pitch that allow for greater attacking threats as he skillfully picks out teammates in the open field.

Taking on defenders with the fearless attitude is a trait, among many, that’s drawn links between Sanchez and the style that made Suarez a success with Liverpool. Even manager Arsene Wenger has compared the two, with the French boss calling for England’s youth to emulate the aggressive style that’s propelled Sanchez into the elite talent class of Premier League players.

This style of play, however, comes with the risk of injury. Although the effort and hunger is unrivaled, Sanchez runs the risk of hurting himself because of the fearless attitude he displays when going at defenders, with little worry about his own well-being.

He’s been lucky thus far to have only missed a handful of games through injury, but his participation at the Copa America coming off a grueling Premier League season after a short summer because of the World Cup, could lead to increased questions about his ability to maintain fitness heading into his second season at the Emirates Stadium.

Nonetheless, Sanchez should continue to thrive with every passing game in England, with his presence ultimately determining Arsenal's success in the league and Champions League.