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Chile: Five players to watch

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Ahead of their friendly with England on Friday night, Sports Mole picks out five Chile players that could make an impact at Wembley.

Chile face England at Wembley on Friday after qualifying for the 2014 World Cup last month with a 2-1 victory over Ecuador.

That capped off a fine qualification campaign for Jorge Sampaoli's side, and they have arrived in England in impressive form after previously drawing with Spain in September.

Below, Sports Mole have selected five players that have the potential to make an impact for the South American team on Friday evening.


1. Alexis Sanchez

Barcelona winger Alexis Sanchez is undoubtedly the star man in Chile's ranks, and has the potential to torment England's full-backs down either flank.

After three successful years at Udinese, Sanchez left Italy to make a big-money move to the La Liga giants, and the 24-year-old has not looked back since.

The former River Plate man scored 26 goals in 87 appearances in his opening two seasons at Camp Nou, while he has added seven in 15 during this campaign.

Sanchez's impact is pivotal to the success of Chile's side, and after already scoring six international goals during 2013, the skilful wide-man will be confident of adding to his tally in North London.


2. Mauricio Isla

While Chile are known for their flair and flashy attacking game, they have also required to remain strong in defence, and Juventus defender Mauricio Isla is an integral part to their starting lineup.

The 25-year-old can also operate in midfield, but he is predominantly used as a right-back by Sampaoli, with his attacking qualities providing Chile with an extra threat going forward.

Like Sanchez, Isla spent a lengthy period developing his game in Europe with Udinese, before taking his chance to sign for a top European outfit when Juventus came calling in 2012.

Isla endured a mixed first season in Turin, but after nine appearances with the Serie A team this term, the versatile South American is continuing to develop into a reliable and consistent player.


3. Gary Medel

Gary Medel arrived in England as something of an unknown quantity when he left Sevilla in the summer to link up with newly-promoted Cardiff City.

However, the 26-year-old as quickly adapted to life at the Bluebirds with a series of efficient displays in the middle of the park as the Welsh outfit adjust to life in the Premier League.

Cardiff are currently sitting in 14th position, and Medel has played a significant part in ensuring that his new side began the season on the front foot.

He was known more for his disciplinary issues than his ability in Spain, but England's midfield could find it tough if Medel is motivated to impress at Wembley.


4. Claudio Bravo

Before the start of the 2013-14 season, only dedicated followers of Spanish football would have been aware of Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.

The 30-year-old has been a long-standing servant at Real Sociedad after leaving Colo-Colo in 2006, and his consistency has proven vital in his side's rise up the table in La Liga.

After getting promoted in 2010, it has taken Sociedad three years to qualify for Europe, and after helping Txuri-urdin qualify for the group stages of the Champions League, Bravo's stock has risen even higher.

Sociedad have failed in front of goal, but Bravo produced two fantastic performances against Manchester United, which included saving a penalty from Robin van Persie at Anoeta last week.


5. Jean Beausejour

It was Jean Beausejour's performances at the 2010 World Cup that earned the 29-year-old a high-profile move to Europe.

Since that transfer, the winger hasn't performed consistently for either Birmingham City or Wigan Athletic, but he has contributed to each team's domestic cup success that earned qualification for the Europa League.

He has only scored six goals in over 100 appearances in English football, but he adds experience and knowledge to a Chilean squad that currently sit in 12th position in the FIFA world rankings.

After featuring just five times for Chile during 2013, Beausejour may have to make do with a place on the bench, but his pace in the final 20 minutes could help his team earn a result in the closing stages.


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