The former Roja striker, who scored 34 goals for his country in a 14-year international career, has told Goal that the Gunners’ talisman will be vital for the tournament hosts

Chile legend Ivan Zamorano has praised Alexis Sanchez’s “superhuman efforts” and believes he will be the leading man for his country at this summer’s Copa America.

Arsenal star Sanchez has had a fine debut season in English football, having scored 24 goals for the club in all competitions since joining from Barcelona last summer.

His performances have helped Arsenal reach the FA Cup final and finish the Premier League season strongly and Zamorano feels the 26-year-old will be crucial to the hosts’ hopes of winning the tournament for the first time.

“He is the leading figure for us,” Zamorano told Goal. “Because of the level that he has displayed at Arsenal, he is the card we can play to do something different.

“When he has the ball something always happens and that is a good thing. If he plays well, we have a good chance. Let’s hope the other 10 are also in top form. He can be as good as he wants, although he can still improve. He will do very well for the team.”

Zamorano, who enjoyed a formidable partnership with Marcelo Salas during the 1990s, also highlighted some of the other key components of Jorge Sampaoli’s current squad a year on from their World Cup elimination at the hands of Brazil.

“[Claudio] Bravo has amply demonstrated that he has the leadership qualities to take the team forward. Through his attitude and courage, Gary Medel can lift the side.

“Arturo Vidal, with what it means to have triumphed in Italian football which I believe is the most difficult in the world, can affect many from a human and sporting viewpoint – he is very mature.

“We already know what Alexis represents, he is a boy you enjoy watching play, the superhuman effort he puts in.

Chile will take on Mexico, Ecuador and Bolivia in Group A, while Argentina are in Group B alongside Uruguay, Paraguay and Jamaica, with Brazil battling Colombia, Peru and Venezuela in Group C.

Source Goal