Arsenal’s head scout for South America, Jonathan Vidallé, says he is still searching for another Alexis Sánchez, but admits Chile has a long way to go to produce one.
Speaking to ADN Deportes, the Argentine talent spotter reflected on the current state of Chilean football and the decline in player exports to Europe.
“Chile is one of the countries I cover, and I’d love to bring another Alexis Sánchez to Arsenal, but they have to improve a lot,” Vidallé said. “I’m not happy about it because I know the coaches there are serious professionals. But the truth is, something’s not working. The quality of material coming through is not what it used to be.”
Vidallé’s connection to Chilean football goes beyond his scouting work. Nearly a decade ago, he discovered Marcelo Allende, then a 17-year-old prospect. He took him to London for a trial with Arsenal, where he was mentored by Sánchez himself.
“Marcelo grew a lot. He’s a very intelligent player. When I found him, he reminded me of Santi Cazorla, especially because of his size and technical ability,” he recalled.
The Argentine scout noted, however, that physicality has become a decisive factor in elite football. “In that position today, players are beasts. We have someone like Martín Zubimendi who’s not that tall, but it depends on the team and the coach. In clubs like Arsenal or Manchester City, where you always have possession, a player like Allende could fit.”
Asked about Sánchez’s legacy in London, Vidallé’s admiration was clear. “The best, he always delivered. A great player and an excellent professional. I didn’t deal much with him personally, but at Arsenal, he performed very well and won titles. I regretted when he lost that final with Manchester United against Chelsea in 2019,” he said.
Vidallé also analysed the broader context of Chilean football and its difficulties in maintaining competitiveness. “Exports have slowed down. The raw material is still there across South America. Argentina and Brazil continue producing top players who adapt quickly in Europe. But in Chile, the domestic league has declined, not only in the first division but also in youth competition. That’s where the focus should be.”
After nearly 15 years working with Arsenal, Vidallé has seen waves of South American talent arrive in Europe, but insists the search for the next Sánchez remains open. “Alexis was special. He had that hunger, that fire. That’s what’s missing now in many young players,” he concluded.
