Arsene Wenger: European forwards lack street-fighting qualities of South Americans

Arsene Wenger full of praise for Alexis Sanchez’s fighting qualities

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has attributed Europe’s failure to produce top quality forwards in recent years to the decline of street football in the continent, adding that they lack the street-fighting attitude that someone like Chile and Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez possesses in abundance.

It is true that most of the leading strikers in the world today, whether it is Radamel Falcao, Luis Suarez or Diego Costa, are from South America, presenting an interesting trend, and Wenger certainly has an interesting take on the matter.

Wenger, 65, believes that society in Europe has become much softer than it was a few decades ago.

"When football is more formalised, it's less about developing your individual skill and fighting attitude. We've lost that a bit," Wenger said.

"Maybe it's because in Europe street football has gone. If you go back 30 or 40 years in England, life was tougher."

Sanchez, who signed for Arsenal from Barcelona in the summer, has certain fighting attributes and technical skills which Wenger claims comes only by playing football on the streets.

"We're much more protective and have all become a bit softer," the Frenchman added.

"In street football when you're 10-years-old, you want to play with 15-year-olds. Then you have to prove you're good, you have to fight and win impossible balls."

Sanchez’s qualities reminiscent of Tony Adams & co.

Wenger added that Sanchez’s tenacity and determination to win at all costs is reminiscent of Arsenal’s famous all-English defence during the 1990s.

"He reminds me of the first generation of English players that I had - Lee Dixon, Steve Bould, Tony Adams, Nigel Winterburn, Martin Keown. This kind who is just ready for the fight."