Signed for Arsenal last summer for a fee thought to be around £35m.
Joining from Catalan giants Barcelona, Sanchez’s talent was obvious and any questions as to whether the South American could adapt to the pace and physicality of the Premier League were quickly answered.
Club: Arsenal FC
National Team: Chile
DOB: 19/12/1988
The Chilean international has produced moments of technical genius and scored world-class goals this season, but for many it has been his work-ethic, power and persistence that has impressed in equal measure.
Sanchez’s nomination is recognition from his peers on the impact he has had during his first season in England, scoring 14 goals and providing 8 assists in the Premier League.
His success will come as no surprise to his former Udinese team-mate and Italian international Antonio Di Natale who enthused: “I was amazed by his technical skills: he did things with the ball that were more typical of a juggler than a footballer. But what really impressed me was the approach he had to the everyday work.
“In my career, I've seen a lot of talented players squandering their abilities with the wrong attitude, with a sort of indolence. Alexis was the contrary.
“He was always ready to work harder in order to improve, to add some new trick to his natural talent. This is probably his secret, and the thing that has allowed him to become one of the greatest players around today.”
Source: DSG
