At 36, Alexis Sánchez is reminding everyone why he was once one of the most feared forwards in Europe.
The former Arsenal star has made an impressive start at Sevilla, where Spanish newspaper Sport says he is “living a second youth”.
Alexis, who turns 37 in December, was expected to finish his career in Chile before Villarreal boss Matías Almeyda persuaded him to join Sevilla in the summer.
The two had worked together briefly at River Plate, and Almeyda was convinced the Chilean still had plenty to offer.
“Alexis es el fútbol,” Almeyda said. “Alexis is football.”
Last weekend, Alexis started his first match for Sevilla in the win over Rayo Vallecano and played until the 93rd minute. In four appearances so far, he has scored once and provided an assist, his goal against Alavés showing the same sharp movement and finishing that defined his Arsenal years.
Almeyda has spoken at length about the impact Sánchez has had since his arrival. “He is a player who brings joy. He arrived with such positive energy that it spreads. He talks football all the time, not about phones or distractions. I am grateful he came,” the Sevilla coach told Sport.
Staff at the club describe him as the first to arrive at training and an example for younger players.
Alexis became a fan favourite at Arsenal under Arsène Wenger, scoring 80 goals and winning two FA Cups. His work rate, technical quality and desire to win made him one of the defining players of Wenger’s final years in charge.
Now, back in Spain, he looks rejuvenated. Sport wrote that he has “fallen on his feet” at Sevilla, adding: “Alexis has become a serious threat to Barcelona.”
The two sides face each other this weekend.