As celebrated as 'Toto' is, though, his strike partner Sanchez has earned himself the biggest accolades this season. After a good World Cup with Chile reinforced his status as that country's true 'Nino Maravilla' (Boy Wonder), Sanchez seems to have further improved this season. Having scored six times, he will probably eclipse his combined goal tally for 2008-09 and 2009-10 of nine, and his transfer value has rocketed into the rarefied air - where eight-digit sums are apparently thrown around so carelessly you wonder what is exactly the difference between €38 million and €40 million (it's two million, I know, but you get the point). It's a safe assumption that Udinese, having discovered Sanchez and nurtured him through the growing pains, the misunderstandings and the cultural differences, will sell him on for a huge profit and start all over again, as is any provincial side's want.
But why exactly is Sanchez such a coveted player? First of all, he can boast impressive skills with the ball at his feet, which are enhanced by a low centre of gravity, an increased toughness and a forward-leaning running style which helps him go past opponents while maintaining momentum.
He often shifts the ball from one foot to another while at near full speed, which not only serves him well in setting up shots but also helps him put defenders off balance and earns him free-kicks in dangerous positions, although, as perhaps you would expect, he sometimes indulges in theatrical falls after contact. As Udinese and Chile left-back Mauricio Isla noted recently in an interview, Sanchez plays deeper for his club than he's used to with his country, where they both form a dangerous combination on the right side, and this versatility is another of the reasons for his increased market value.
