Chelsea star Pedro says Arsenal rival Alexis Sanchez is among his most skilful teammates ever

Chelsea winger Pedro Rodriguez has identified his former Barcelona teammate Alexis Sanchez as one of the most skillful players he has shared a dressing room with. The Spanish international admitted that there is no one to beat five-time Ballon D'or winner Lionel Messi but named his now Arsenal rival alongside Brazilian duo Neymar and Ronaldinho in his top four.

Pedro moved to Stamford Bridge during the summer transfer window after being part of the recent golden eras of both Barcelona and the Spanish national team, sharing teams with the likes of Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez, Samuel Eto'o and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.

But in terms of skills he believes Sanchez is at the top, just behind Messi. Asked by the Chelsea official website which teammates outside of the Blues he rates as the most skillful, he said: "As everyone will be expecting, my answer is Lionel Messi. It is just that he is very ambitious about wanting to be the best."

"Also Neymar as they both have very fast movements. There are other people I have shared a changing room with as well who I think are really good like Ronaldinho and Alexis Sanchez."

Pedro and Sanchez have followed similar paths in recent times by leaving La Liga giants to move to the Premier League after being overshadow by Messi and Neymar themselves.

The former teammates are set to face each other at the Emirates Stadium in the London derby on Sunday (24 January), with Arsene Wenger recently confirming that the Chilean is expected to return to action for the crucial game following more than a month on the sidelines.

The Spanish winger, meanwhile, has also been impressed by his new teammate Eden Hazard since his summer arrival to West London. The Belgium international, along with Sanchez, may also be back available for the London derby after he had missed the last two Premier League games due to injury.

"I really enjoyed watching some of Messi's dribbling when I was at Barcelona, and now I can actually see how he plays, Eden Hazard as well. Definitely if you see people like that, that is what stands out," Pedro added.