Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez Could Prove the Catalyst for Premier League Title Win

Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez has started off the new Premier League season in excellent fashion, with the Chilean international well on the way to becoming the transfer of the season.

Despite Manchester United's Angel Di Maria and Chelsea's sensational pairing of Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas taking most of the early-season plaudits, the Gunners' £32 million capture could eventually prove to be the most influential and important addition to a Premier League club in recent years.

There is little doubt that Sanchez is one of the world's finest players. The ex-Barcelona attacking midfielder-cum-forward was more than excellent during the World Cup in Brazil last summer.

Alexis featured four times, scoring twice and contributing one assist, as Chile progressed to the last 16. There, they were knocked out on penalties by the hosts, Brazil. On the way, La Roja gained many admirers with their swashbuckling style, certainly more than the dour host nation.

Sanchez featured in a number of positions for Jorge Sampaoli's attack-minded side and seemed destined to play a large part in Barcelona's forward line in 2014.

Remember, the 25-year-old featured heavily for Barca under Gerardo Martino during the disappointing 2013-14 season. Sanchez played 34 La Liga matches and scored 19 goals. Only Lionel Messi scored more last term with 28.

This YouTube video by ScoutNationHD shows just how phenomenal Sanchez was with Barcelona last season.

When Arsenal signed Sanchez, the football world immediately stood up and paid attention. This was no "galactico" signing, designed to sell jerseys and seats. This was Arsene Wenger making a statement of intent for the coming seasons.

Le Prof could barely contain his glee when the Chilean was unveiled as an Arsenal man on the official club website. Wenger said:

"

Many people have seen during the World Cup this summer, Alexis is a fantastic footballer and we are delighted that he is joining us at Arsenal Football Club.

Alexis will add power, creativity and much quality to our squad and we are all looking forward to him joining up with us in a few weeks. He has consistently produced top-quality performances at the highest level for a number of seasons now and we are all excited to see him integrate into the Arsenal squad.

"

Little has changed since Wenger welcomed Sanchez to the fold on July 10.

If anything, Sanchez's sterling reputation has grown. While the likes of Costa, deservedly so, Fabregas, the on-going circus at Manchester United and the comedy show that is Mario Balotelli at Liverpool garner all the media attention, Alexis has set about life at the Emirates with aplomb.

Easily one of the Gunners' best performers this term, along with the now-injured Mathieu Debuchy and the superbly consistent Aaron Ramsey, Sanchez has contributed greatly.

In just four Premier League appearances, the £32 million signing has endeared himself to the Arsenal faithful with two goals and an assist, as per WhoScored.com.

Wenger has chosen to deploy the talented attacker in a number of positions across the final third. However, the Chilean's best and most natural position has proved to be on the right side of attack.

He terrorised James Milner and ex-Arsenal boy Gael Clichy in the 2-2 draw against Manchester City recently and looks set to form a very dangerous partnership with new signing Danny Welbeck.

Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images

Where Sanchez may come a cropper is with the plethora of midfield options Wenger has available. This season has already seen the Gunners use 4-1-4-1, 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 formations. Le Prof has at least 17 players at hand for selection in midfield.

However, when all is said and done, Sanchez is, without doubt, the best and should be the only option on the right. This basically relegates Theo Walcott to back-up for the courageous and commanding Chilean.

In the immediate future, the 25-year-old's form is bound to be affected by the loss of Debuchy for up to two months, as per the Daily Mail. The right-back, a recent signing from Newcastle United, had started off the season in excellent form and was forging a formidable partnership with Sanchez.

Now, Wenger has to re-adjust the team, with Calum Chambers the most likely to deputise for Debuchy. Sanchez, as the senior man, will have to look out for the supremely gifted youngster.

That, however, could prove to be a blessing. Sanchez is one of a rare breed of player where self-sacrifice over self-preservation is the name of the game.

Where Mesut Ozil chased headlines before eventually evaporating as a force in Arsenal's midfield, Sanchez will work his way into the headlines and will put the team first, every single time.

In the long run, that attitude guarantees goals, assists, plaudits and top-class performances. It might also see the Player of the Year and the Premier League title return to Arsenal within the coming seasons.