Ex-Barcelona, Arsenal and Man Utd star compared to Haaland, Ronaldo, Messi and Mbappe

Robin Bairner

• 13 May 2023 20:09 BST
• 3 min read

Marseille head coach Igor Tudor has described Alexis Sanchez as being a player “just behind” the very best in the world – including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.

Alexis, who is 34, has turned out for some of the biggest clubs in the world game including Barcelona, Arsenal and Manchester United. His spells at these sides have been mixed, with the Gunners seeing the best of the Chile international.

He moved to Marseille in the summer of 2022 on a free transfer from Inter and has enjoyed a productive campaign on the Mediterranean coast of France, scoring 17 times in 40 outings for Tudor’s side as they have gone a long way to securing a return to the Champions League next season.

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Nevertheless, the coach’s comments on the veteran forward come as something of a surprise.

“He’s a key player for us,” Tudor admitted to the media on Friday. “There’s a Marseille with Alexis Sanchez and an OM without Alexis Sanchez. He’s a player of another level.

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“We might forget this, because he’s someone very normal, very humble and who doesn’t carry himself like a superstar.

“After the aliens like Messi, Ronaldo, Haaland and Mbappe, he’s just behind. He’s an irreplaceable player because of his qualities.”

Guendouzi backs Tudor over Alexis

Tudor was commenting after Alexis went off injured in a 2-1 loss against Lens last weekend, but the Chile international will be available for Sunday’s match against Angers – a fixture that OM need to win to keep pace with Lens in second place in Ligue 1.

Former Arsenal star Matteo Guendouzi matched his assessment of the player.

“Alexis is a world-class player who brings us a lot of composure in the last 30 metres,” the France international midfielder commented.

“He does a lot of good with his pressing. Not having him on the pitch is a blow to the team.”

While Arsenal fans might recognise this assessment of Alexis, those of Barcelona and especially Man Utd will be more doubtful.