Arsenal: Alexis Sanchez can become 'best player in the world' says QPR defender Mauricio Isla

Queens Park Rangers defender Mauricio Isla believes Alexis Sanchez's move from Barcelona to Arsenal means his Chilean compatriot can reach his dream to become the best player in the world.

Sanchez left the Camp Nou during the 2014 summer transfer window after Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger agreed to pay £32m ($47m) to secure his services.

The Chile international scored 19 La Liga goals during the last campaign for the Catalans giants but was always under scrutiny by the Spanish media, while he was overlooked for Lionel Messi and Neymar.

The 26-year-old forward has been a key player for the Gunners since the start of the sesaon, even putting the club's record signing, Mesut Ozil, into the shade.

Sanchez has already scored 19 goals and provided 10 assists in 39 appearances at Arsenal while he has become a favourite among the club's supporters.

QPR full-back Isla, who knows well Sanchez from their time in the national team, believes his compatriot made the right choice by moving to the north London club as at Arsenal he can finally prove his worth.

"I have known him for ten years and I think Alexis has shown what he is made of. He has always said that he wanted to be the best in the world and now he has arrived in a team where this can truly become a reality," Isla said.

"He can build confidence and where they play for him and he transmits the confidence that his teammates give him but honestly, I am not at all surprised by the quality of Alexis as a player."

The pair will reunite once again on 29 March for a friendly against Brazil at the Emirates Stadium after being included in a 20-man Chile squad.

Leaders for both club and country

"I am proud to play alongside him for Chile, as I am proud to play alongside Arturo Vidal of Juventus and Claudio Bravo of Barcelona among others. I think together we are able to succeed and it would be fantastic for our country," he said.

"Alexis Sanchez is a leader as are the other two. Of course, the team is a group but there are always role models in any team and I think these three in particular are fundamental to ours. There are always high-quality players and these three are the pillars of our team and the rest of us must accompany them to achieve great things."

Meanwhile, Isla has praised Sanchez for his clinical skill and the hard-working attitude that has been on show since his arrival to the north London club.

"Firstly Alexis Sanchez provides what I believe we lacked before which are his goals. It's fantastic that he is scoring so much, which fills him with confidence and joy, and I hope he continues to keep scoring always more," he said.

"If we were to talk about his characteristics, we could be here all day but for me, I love playing with a player who's so bold, who is a fighter, runs for 90 minutes and always loves training.

"I have heard from many of his Arsenal teammates also that he never tires in training or on the pitch and this is fundamental for the team."