Peru defender Aldo Corzo believes Alexis Sanchez is a tougher opponent than Neymar. The Universidad San Martin man marked the duo in recent 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ qualifiers: the Arsenal No7 in a 2-1 loss in Chile in October, and the Barcelona No11 in a 2-0 defeat at home to Brazil on Tuesday.

“Alexis is very fast player, who would trouble anyone,” said Corzo. “That day I had to double my efforts to try and stop him. It was really difficult because it was in front of his people.”

Although Brazil won in Lima to make it 18 points out of a possible 18 under Tite, Peru did a good job on Neymar.

“If you rewatch the match, he didn’t get past me, except for once,” said Corzo. “I covered him very well.”

Sanchez and Neymar played together for Barcelona for one season. The latter’s arrival and establishment at Camp Nou were considered the chief reasons the former left for London. Sanchez recently made it 36 goals in 106 internationals, overtaking Ivan Zamorano to go outright second on Chile’s list of all-time leading marksmen, one behind Marcelo Salas.

Neymar has netted 50 goals in 75 caps. He trails only Pele (77), Ronaldo (62) and Romario (55).

Brazil lead South America’s race to Russia 2018, four points above second-placed Uruguay. Chile are fourth, one point inside the qualification zone, while Peru are six points outside the top four in eighth.