Mathieu Flamini believes that a combination of skill and intense work-rate makes Alexis Sanchez "a top player".
The Chilean has sparkled since signing from Barcelona in the summer, and scored his seventh and eighth goals of the season at Sunderland on Saturday.
That brace gave Arsenal victory at the Stadium of Light, and Flamini is impressed at how well Alexis has settled in the Premier League.
"He's a top player but what I also want to say is well done to him [and the team] for working so hard. That's very important and is making a difference"
Mathieu Flamini on Alexis
"I'm very pleased to play with such a good player," the midfielder said. "He's giving a lot for the team, working very hard and also he's making the difference.
"He's a top player but what I also want to say is well done to him [and the team] for working so hard. That's very important and is making a difference.
"He's played very well until now. We knew he was a top player and he's proving it in every game.
"I think he's giving a lot for the team - not only because he's making the difference offensively, but he's also working hard for the team.
"The spirit is great. Everyone is working for each other and that makes a difference, especially in a difficult game like [on Saturday]."
While Alexis starred on Wearside, Flamini was also happy with Arsenal's performance at the opposite end of the pitch.
"[Clean sheets] brings the confidence higher because when you don't concede goals, it's very positive," he said. "Everyone worked very hard defensively and we can find goals with the quality we have in our team."
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