We could see the ‘Ox effect’ with Sanchez.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was a bit part player at Arsenal who never truly lived up to the potential he showed at Southampton. In fact, more often than not, he could be maddeningly erratic. His embryonic Liverpool career has seen a noticeable change in his play. His more direct, far less wasteful in possession, and is taking responsibility when on the ball.
Alexis Sanchez is expected to become a Manchester United player by the end of January (although believe nothing until he’s wearing the shirt), and Gary Neville has suggested that we could see a similar chance in the Chilean’s overall demeanour. The United legend also believes he could improve his new teammates too.
Speaking on Sky Sport’s MNF, Neville explained that the sulky, often forlorn figure the 29-year-old cuts at Arsenal could be reenergised and newly motivated to show his best at Old Trafford.
“I mean Sanchez at Arsenal for the last year or so, his body language hasn’t always been great.
“But when Sanchez is playing like Sanchez can, he is infectious to his team-mates, so I would imagine when you see his work rate, his work ethic – he’s incredible Sanchez.”
The Sky pundit went on to explain how he could prove a real boon to his prospective new teammates:
“That should rub off on everybody else, so Martial, Lukaku, should see him scurrying around, a world-class player scurrying around, he’s played at Barcelona, and they should think ‘right, I’m going to do that as well.’
“And I think what he could do is potentially become contagious. He can have a positive impact on the players, get more out of them, and have them thinking ‘ah, that’s the level I should be at.'”
But Neville ended with a note of caution for anyone who assumed he was already a Red Devil.
“Still, it is up in the air as to whether Sanchez will go to United or Chelsea, or Liverpool, or whoever else will come in for him in the next ten minutes.”
