Alexis Sánchez has had a strong World Cup for Chile, which doesn't surprise his national team manager Jorge Sampaoli.

Sampaoli believes Sánchez is prevented from reaching his full potential at Barcelona due the presence of players such as Lionel Messi and Neymar.

"With Chile, Alexis knows he is a decisive player," Sampaoli said ahead of his side's last-16 clash with Brazil on Saturday. "He is very highly thought of - a superlative player.

"But perhaps at Barcelona, with the team-mates he has and all the great players there, it is more difficult. But for me he has all the conditions to be one of the best players in the world: assists, goals, dribbles, everything... 

"He can still get much better than he is at the moment and he'll be one of the key players in club and international football over the coming years."

Sánchez has been linked to a move away from Barça this offseason, particularly in a potential deal with Liverpool for Luis Suárez.