MADRID: Barcelona striker Alexis Sanchez gave himself five out of 10 when asked to rate his first year with the Spanish soccer giants, and said on Wednesday his best was yet to come.
Barca signed the Chile international from Italy’s Udinese last year for a deal including variables that could rise to some 37 million euros, but he has yet to really make his mark at the Nou Camp.
“We haven’t seen the best of Alexis yet,” the 23-year-old told a news conference.
“I am finding some form and as each game goes by I am improving a little more.”
Alexis was Barca’s second-highest scorer behind Lionel Messi in La Liga last season with 11 goals, but suffered a string of niggly injuries in his first campaign.
Under new coach Tito Vilanova this year, however, he has yet to score and he is struggling to make the starting 11 with competition from players such as Pedro, David Villa and youngster Cristian Tello.
“I need to get into the games more and take people on in one-on-one situations,” he said.
“I know I can win a place. Step by step I am making my name here because I am Alexis. I would rate myself with a five (out of 10).”
Barcelona top La Liga with five wins from five games and, after visiting Sevilla on Saturday, return to Champions League action away to Benfica next Tuesday.
They top Group G after last week’s 3-2 home win over Spartak Moscow.
Meanwhile, Sergio Busquets has praised Barcelona team mate Xavi, and feels the experienced midfielder is an example to follow for other players.
Xavi’s agent revealed on Tuesday that Barcelona is ready to offer his player a new and improved deal and it seems likely that the 32-year-old will remain at Barca until the end of his career, to the delight of Busquets.
“He’s an incredibly important player… and he sets a fine example both on and off the pitch,” Busquets told reporters. “It would be an honour if he were to retire at Barcelona.”
Busquets then went on to discuss the upcoming Clasico, and stressed that the match against Madrid will by no means be decisive of the outcome of La Liga.
“That game won’t decide anything, it’s still too early. It’s great to have put some distance between us, but the league season is a long one,” he added. “Last year Madrid strung together a long series of wins and we are going to have to do the same thing.” (Agencies)