MAN CITY BOSS Manuel Pellegrini says that Alexis Sanchez is the best player in the Premier League currently.

The news will come as a surprise to many, who would have expected Pellegrini to name Man City’s star striker Sergio Aguero as the division’s top player.

In an interview with AS, the Chilean manager explained:

“Every game I see him making a great effort, showing great commitment, ambition and the maturity needed to keep improving year after year.

“I’m happy for him because at this time he is the best player in English football.”

The 61-year-old also feels Sanchez has improved immeasurably in recent years.

“I always thought [he was going to be world class]. The only thing you could criticise him for before was that he didn’t score enough goals. 

“He wasn’t a scorer. But he has improved this a lot in the last two campaigns.”

Moreover, both Sanchez and Aguero are near the top of the all-time chart in terms of their involvement in goals after the first 20 games, with the former third and the latter fifth. Andrew Cole, Kevin Phillips and Eric Cantona complete the top five.

Henry: I thought Wenger abuse was a joke>

Low: Forget Ballon d’Or, Lahm is best player of the decade>