Sánchez made his international debut for his national team against Sweden in 2006 and scored his first goal against Switzerland in a 2–1 loss, being also the first goal of the Marcelo Bielsa era. This event meant he broke the record of goals scored by a Chilean player (in a single match) in the Italian Serie A, thus beating the records set by his historic countrymen Marcelo Salas and Ivan Zamorano. On 27 February 2011, Sánchez scored four of seven goals as his team defeated Palermo 7-0, playing only the first 52 minutes of the game. Sánchez made a steady progress in his first two seasons at Udinese, and in the 2010-11 season he established himself as one of the key player’s that allowed Udinese to finish fourth in Serie A. He joined Udinese after becoming champion of the Argentina and Chilean leagues in June 2008. His precocious talent caught the attention of Udinese, team of the Italian Serie A, and signed the 17-year-old for US$3million in May 2006, but was immediately loaned out to Colo-Colo, and then River Plate where he was able to mature in less physically demanding confines than the Italian first division. Sánchez began his career as a youth player for Cobreloa in 2003, aged 15, for then be promoted to the first adult team, two years later. He is well known for his excellent dribbling ability, great speed and his unusual strength for a fast winger. This name uses Spanish naming customs the first or paternal family name is Sánchez and the second or maternal family name is Sánchez.Īlexis Alejandro Sánchez Sánchez (IPA: born 19 December 1988), is a Chilean footballer who plays as a forward for FC Barcelona and for the Chilean national team. ‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 15:51, 16 November 2011 (UTC) * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 00:46, 26 November 2011 (UTC). Full nameĚlexis Alejandro Sánchez Sánchezĭate of birthđ9 December 1988 (age 22)