CHILE COACH REINALDO Rueda believes Alexis Sanchez is on the “right track” after the attacker scored in a 4-0 win over Japan on Monday.
Sanchez scored for the first time since January when he diverted home from close range with a diving header and registered an assist in the two-time defending Copa America champions’ victory in Sao Paulo.
The Manchester United attacker was sidelined late during the Premier League season with a knee injury, but was on the scoresheet in his first appearance since early May.
Rueda was pleased with what he saw from Sanchez, who netted just twice in 27 games for United in 2018-19.
“He’s on the right track. We wanted to reserve him for the next games, but he’s recovered well,” he told a news conference.
Alexis admitted that he has not had it easy in recent months, but was delighted to play a big role for his country.
“For six weeks I felt worse than I ever have before,” he said. “I struggled in the first half as I felt stifled but in the second half I was more relaxed and played with more freedom and excitement.”
Fellow Chile star Arturo Vidal was also singing the United attacker for his impact after an arduous campaign on the domestic front.
“Alexis needed the goal. He had a difficult year and this gives him confidence,” the Barcelona midfielder said of his long-time team-mate .
“We must focus from now on that game. We know that if we keep improving we can be a very dangerous team.”
Chile started their title defence in style as Eduardo Vargas netted a brace to go with goals from Erick Pulgar and Sanchez.
Rueda was happy with his team, who moved top of Group C ahead of Uruguay.
“Chile have very experienced players, they know each other very well, with a base of many years,” he said.
“The current champions usually make a bad debut, but we worked hard not to suffer with that.”
- Omni
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Don’t go there kid.. Go somewhere where you’ll be appreciated and where you’ll only get better
@Chonky Racoon: spot on I know it’s hard to say no to these huge clubs but better for your future if you went to a smaller club and got plenty of game time clubs like Dortmund or Lyon who have history of bringing players throught
There not holding back anyway
Every country has a Messi these days. Wessi was our Messi!
Is he the first Japanese man to sign for them, first Asian perhaps? Can’t think of anyone else off hand. Lá liga will be delighted either way!
@Hardly Normal: he’s signed for Castilla , it’s Real Madrid’s B team .. it’s a strategic move for Madrid , the player himself may not thrive though. A guy like Odegaard is making a name for himself in Holland but it’s unlikely he’ll ever triumph in Real Madrid . It’s surprising that he didn’t go back to Barca tbh .
@Hardly Normal: As Mr. Madrugada points out, Kubo is signing for Castilla, not Real Madrid (a tehnicality). But Real Madrid (including Castilla and Real Madrid C) have had at least two Asian players before. There was some fanfare a few years back when they signed Chinese Lin Liangming. There was also a Jordanian (Tha’er Bawab) who played for both Real and Barce’s B-Teams back in the early 00s.
@Limón Madrugada: do you think Odegaard will ever make it with Madrid or will just be sold on ??
@Philip Farrell: you hardly rattled that off the top of your head, if you did fair play. So no asain player has played for Real Madrid proper? I’d put money on it this lad will get an opportunity if he shows any bit of promise. The asain market is untapped from a Spanish point of view, interesting move.
@Andrew Tuite: sold on I reckon , he’s done well in Holland and Ajax are looking at him . He’d be useful as part of the deal for de Ligt !! But he needs to make a proper breakthrough for Madrid to see him as first team material.
Great news for la liga