QPR defender Mauricio Isla says his Chile international colleague Alexis Sanchez will become the best player in the world after a sensational start to his Arsenal career.

Sanchez and Isla were this week included in a 20-man Chile squad to play a friendly against Brazil at the Emirates Stadium on March 29, and also against Iran.

Sanchez, who has scored 18 goals this season, has helped fire Arsenal to third in the Premier League table, where they sit just a point behind Manchester City.

Isla, who is on a season-long loan deal at Loftus Road from Juventus after impressing for Chile at last summer’s World Cup, believes Sanchez has all the ingredients – and the temperament – to eclipse even Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I have known him for ten years and I think Alexis has shown what he is made of,” said Isla. “He has always said he wanted to be the best in the world and now he has arrived in a team where this can truly become a reality.

“I am proud to play alongside him for Chile, as I am to play alongside Arturo Vidal of Juventus and Claudio Bravo of Barcelona, among others.

“These three are the pillars of our team.

“I have heard from many of Alexis’s Arsenal teammates that he never tires in training or on the pitch and this is fundamental for the team.”

The friendly in North London will take on extra significance as Brazil secured a dramatic penalty shoot-out win against Chile to reach the last eight at the World Cup.

“To play this game as a revenge match in a beautiful country and beautiful city such as London, all Chileans will take interest,” said Isla.

Brazil v Chile is on March 29, 3pm, at the Emirates Stadium in London. Tickets are on sale at arsenal.com/tickets