Coming of age: Alexis Sanchez is finally finding his feet at Barcelona

Alexis Sanchez celebrates his goal against Real Madrid

When Alexis Sanchez‘s checked back from Raphael Varane and lofted the ball with pinpoint precision over Diego Lopez, it wasn’t particularly surprising, for this season at least, that it was the Chilean, not Neymar or Lionel Messi, securing the points for Barcelona.

So far this term the former Udinese man already has a stoppage-time winner against Sevilla , a brace in an impressive performance against Real Valladolid and the the first official goal of the Gerardo Martino era, a goal in 7-0 rout of Levante, to his name. It’s a continuation of an impressive run of scoring from the forward who has often been left out due to his lack of a clinical touch – Pedro Rodriguez supposedly usurping him in that in that area.

However that might not be true anymore; Alexis’s winner against Real Madrid was not just his fifth goal of the league campaign – coming from just five starts and eight shots on target – but it was also his 13th in his last 18 La Liga matches dropping back into last season.

Alexis Sanchez stats

In that same spell he’s also laid on eight assists, with two coming this season from the six chances he’s created for his colleagues.

The theory around Barcelona is that Martino has found a better way to play the 24-year-old, but the reality, and the statistics, reveal that this run of form predates the Catalan’s new manager.

It is true that Alexis has been allowed more freedom under Tata. No longer completely restricted to the wings, he’s allowed to roam inside from his starting position – be that on the left or the right – to great affect. His Heat Map and action zones from his cameo against Madrid reveal as much; his goal came from a run through the middle, picked out by Neymar.

Alexis Sanchez stats

That front three, whoever the personnel at the time, now seems much more flexible, more interchangeable and certainly more direct. The directness is revealed in Sanchez’s goal and assist heavy stats: he’s contributed directly to seven goals this season, but only has 79 per cent pass accuracy and has completed just six of his 20 take-ons.

Considering he’s only 24 and is now in his third season at Barcelona, it’s a timely run of form. It’s been commented in the past how difficult it is for players to adapt to the Barcelona system, given the uniqueness and closeness of the on pitch relationships between the likes of Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi — Alexis seems to have finally found his feet.

Alexis Sanchez stats

His future in Catalunya has often been up for discussion, but if he plays against Celta Vigo on Tuesday night it will be his 100th appearance for la Blaugrana in all competitions. He doesn’t seem to be going anywhere soon and, judging by his recent form, he’ll probably mark his centenary with a goal.