Jenkinson impressed by Gunner Sanchez work-rate

Alexis Sanchez has made a big impact at Arsenal for his goal-scoring, but Carl Jenkinson insists his work-rate has been just as important for the Gunners.

The Chilean has been arguably the biggest attacking threat for Arsenal since joining from Barcelona and has been employed in a striking role by Arsène Wenger.

But according to Jenkinson, who returned to the Emirates this year after two seasons on-loan at West Ham, Sanchez is just as influential through everything he does off the ball, even if it doesn’t get the same coverage.

(Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)

“It’s a pleasure to play behind a player like that,” Jenkinson said. “On the ball he’s fantastic and people know what he offers and what he can bring, and just to see his workrate is great.

“People underestimate how hard he works sometimes because people always look at what he can do with the ball, but his workrate is exceptional. That’s always nice to have in front of you as a full back, to have that protection.

“The last thing you want is a winger who’s staying upfield, hugging the touchline and not helping you out defensively. With Alexis, he helps you out defensively as well, as and when he can. It was a pleasure to play with him as I haven’t played with him before.”