Alexis Sanchez, FW, Arsenal & Chile: #CopaRank: No. 4

Welcome to #CopaRank, a weeklong look at the top 25 players we expect to see at the Copa America Centenario. Over 50 ESPN FC experts and writers from around the globe voted, and we're rolling out the results right up to opening day, U.S. vs. Colombia, on Friday.

Why is Alexis Sanchez in the top 25?

Sanchez is a powerful package who mixes large quantities of speed and guile into a recipe he uses to drive at the opponent's goal with abandon. The engine that the Chilean forward brings with him to each and every match is the thing that most separates him from his peers. Sanchez of course has plenty of technical ability, but it is his desire to go directly at goal that makes him the player that he is. When on the counter, Sanchez is a defender's worst nightmare. He is capable of nearly anything, whether it be making a perfect pass to set up a teammate, cutting to goal to beat the keeper, or firing a well-placed shot from distance.

What the experts say about Alexis

"Sometimes he [Sanchez] finishes and you think, 'He's dead now.' But then he recovers and gives 100 percent again. You always see signs of exhaustion but it's not, because two days later he's fine. His style is very explosive." -- Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

"He exploded at Arsenal and became a decisive player, the star of the team, and he delivered more than he did at Barcelona, where fitting into the style of play, and with so many big players, it was more difficult. [At a national level] we have a more even spread, but Alexis is decisive for us with his goals and assists, that's obvious." -- Former Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli.

Career highlight

Sanchez helped Chile to the Copa America title last year, but it was actually his 2014-15 club season that proved to be better. Sanchez scored 16 goals for Arsenal in his first season at the Emirates, earning Player of the Year honors for the club and a spot on the PFA team of the year.

Stat of the season

Sanchez led Arsenal with 3.6 shots per game in 2015-16.

What next for Alexis after the Copa America Centenario?

Sanchez has two years left on his contract with Arsenal, and though there was some belief his he was unhappy with Arsene Wenger, there's no reason to expect he won't be leading the way for the Gunners next year.