Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes his in-form forward Alexis Sanchez has yet to reach his full potential, despite a sparkling start to his Gunners career.
Sanchez has been the shining star of Arsenal's season since his 35 million-pound move from Barcelona last July, with Wenger suggesting the attacking star who has scored seven goals in his first nine Premier League appearances still has room to take his game to another level.
"I believe we are in a job where you can always improve," Wenger told reporters when being quizzed about Sanchez. "He's keen and every day he wants to go out and practice. He's unbelievably keen to develop, work and practice. He just loves football.
"I don't judge [foreign players] for at least six months. Alexis struggled at the start to deal with the commitment, but now he is more confident because he scores goals and he speaks the language much better.
"Let's not forget that he has been in Europe before, having come from South America. He's been at Udinese and Barcelona where you play under pressure every week. That helps get him to the level you need to cope with England."
Wenger suggested Sanchez's ability to score important goals means he will be a key man to his side's hopes this season, with his contribution in Premier League and Champions League matches highlighting his manager's views.
"He's already had a lot of decisive goals and he doesn't score when it's 4-0, he scores when it's 0-0," added Wenger. "He finds the resources to get you a goal when it's 0-0, that's what is important.
"It's always very interesting when you look at the number of goals people score, how many times do they score at 0-0? They're the guys who can really make the difference."