Football
Mattias Karen, Arsenal correspondent 7y

Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez 'world class,' worthy of Henry comparisons - Dein

Former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein thinks the Gunners have finally found another "world-class" striker in Alexis Sanchez, and agreed that he is worthy of comparison to Thierry Henry.

Like Arsenal legend Henry, Sanchez has been converted from a winger to a central striker by Arsene Wenger this season to great effect, with 11 goals in 13 Premier League starts so far. He has also netted twice in the Champions League and has seven assists in all competitions.

Dein, who was vice-chairman of the club between 1983 and 2007 and witnessed Henry's rise at the Gunners, is among those who have been impressed with Sanchez.

"I think you've got to say he's world class," Dein told the Evening Standard. "He's fantastic. He's a delight."

Sanchez's development is familiar to Arsenal fans, who saw Henry join the club after playing as a winger at Juventus but became the Gunners' all-time leading scorer after being moved up front.

And Dein agreed that it was fair to compare the career trajectories of the two forwards.

"Yeah and certainly he is an extraordinarily talent," Dein said of Sanchez. "He's got a great attitude to the game and immense skill. So he's an exciting player."

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