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Chile’s striker, Alexis Sanchez is Spain’s biggest threat in the World Cup match that could determine whether or not they advance in the tournament.
Here’s what you need to know about him:
1. He Scored Chile’s First Goal in the World Cup
Sanchez led Chile to a 3-1 victory against Australia in the their first match of the World Cup. He scored the first goal of the game to get the team rolling. Watch the video above to see him net it.
2. He Was the Star Player For Chile in the 2010 World Cup
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Sanchez suffered an injury for three months before the 2010 World Cup, preventing him from participating in 4 of the qualifying games.
He managed to recover just before the start of the World Cup and went on to become a key striker for Chile. He ended up scoring 2 of the 3 goals for Chile in a qualifier he got to play in against Bolivia.
3. FC Barcelona Bought Him for Over $50 Million
FC Barcelona, one of the most powerful franchises in the world, paid $35 million, along with $15 million in bonus fees for the transfer of Sánchez. The deal marked the first Chilean player in history to play for Barcelona. Watch the video above to see Scout Nation‘s analysis of Sanchez.
Barcelona’s manager, Pep Guardiola told Fox Sports:
Sánchez is very young…He can play in all three attacking positions, he shows intense defensive skills, he’s direct and from what I’ve been told, he’s a very nice kid.”
Sanchez ended up signing a five-year contract with the Spanish powerhouse in July 2011.
Sanchez said:
I want to learn from players like Lionel Messi and Xavi Hernández—and I want to help the club win more titles.”
4. Real Madrid Wants Him
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Atletico Madrid, the biggest sports franchise in the world is gunning for Chile’s star player as reports are unsure of whether or not he will be leaving Barcelona.
Atletico Madrid recently lost top players, David Villa and Diego Costa and are looking to fill the spots, guaranteeing him a starting position.
Juventus attempted to reel in Sanchez with an offer for $24.4 million, but he declined.
5. His Girlfriend, Laia Grassi, Is Gorgeous
Grassi is a Spanish Art director specializing in Graphic Design & interior Design. The blonde bombshell currently resides in Barcelona, Spain where her company is based along with her boyfriend who is playing for FC Barcelona.
Grassi studied and received a degree in Fine Arts at the Universidad de Barcelona (UB).
Click here to see her instagram.
