Arsenal: Is Alan Shearer Even Watching Alexis Sanchez?

Alan Shearer has stated that he still does not see Alexis Sanchez as a world class player? Has he even been watching the Arsenal striker recently?

There has been a raging debate since Alan Shearer decided to open his mouth on Match of the Day. In a rather shortsighted assessment, Shearer stated that only Sergio Aguero can stake a claim to the tag of world class. Since then, many fans – especially the Arsenal faithful – analysts and the like have protested otherwise.

Related Story: Arsenal: 30 Greatest Players In History

Many people brought up examples like Mesut Ozil, Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and even David De Gea in their suggestions for players that disprove Shearer’s assertion. The definition of world class is one that is far from clear, muddied by the varying assessments that every man and his dog have of players.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park

There is no underlying stat or number detailing the quality, or lack of quality, that a particular player has. Is their success due to the ability of the team around, or are they beign stifled by teammates who cannot match their talents?

The next player to be embroiled in the debate of world class is Alexis Sanchez. After his recent performances in a central role, it does seem slightly disrespectful to not accept the label of “world class”. Not if your Shearer, though:

"“What I would say is, Arsenal are a much better team this year because of him. And I would also ask Arsene Wenger, if he is world class, why has he taken two years to play him centre forward?”"

What on earth is he on about?

Alexis Sanchez has been one of the very best players in the Premier League since his move to the Emirates a little over two years ago, has scored over 50 goals for the Gunnes and since moving to a central role, has elevated his game even further.

This season alone, Sanchez has scored 11 league goals in 14 games, assisted a further four while scoring two and assiting two in five Champions League games. That is simply sensational.

Next: Arsenal Vs West Ham United: 5 Things We Learned

While Shearer is perfectly within his right to his own opinion, it must also be challenged at times like these. To say that Sanchez is not a world class player beggars belief, and makes me ask the question, has he even watched the Chilean play?