Arsenal vs Barcelona: Andres Iniesta wary of the threat posed by Alexis Sanchez

When Arsenal lineup for their UEFA Champions League last 16 tie against Barcelona on Tuesday, it will be extra special for one superstar of the English Premier League team – Alexis Sanchez.

The Chile international spent three fruitful years with Barcelona, before making his move to Arsenal in the summer of 2014. Sanchez was sold to Arsenal, as Barcelona looked to create funds and an opening in the squad to bring in Luis Suarez. While there is no disputing the fact that it was the right decision, considering the form of the Uruguayan, Sanchez's former teammate – Andres Iniesta – knows the threat the 27-year-old will pose when the two teams clash in the Champions League.

"What makes Alexis so dangerous is that he is unpredictable," the Barcelona legend told Arsenal's official website. "When he dribbles, when he attacks, he is a very strong player.

"He's got skill and when he has the ball he always creates doubts. In that sense, we have to try to make him feel uncomfortable on the field and try to minimise his strengths."

Barcelona have gone on to conquer all competitions since Sanchez left, with that near-unstoppable Suarez, Lionel Messi, Neymar trident hitting their straps. Barcelona, the defending European champions, will go into this last 16 tie as the heavy favourites. However, Iniesta is not taking a win for granted, knowing full well the quality that Arsene Wenger's team possess.

"Arsenal are known for having a style of play, a way of understanding football through having the ball," Iniesta added. "I also think that the type of players that their coach or that Arsenal look for are very similar.

"I think their strong spots are their quality, their talent and the way they play. The way they attack, the way they combine. I think they're a very dangerous opponent in that sense."

While Sanchez is the man to stop in this Arsenal team, the obvious one in Barcelona's is Messi, who can take the game away from the opponent with a couple of moments of brilliance.

"We know it won't be easy," Sanchez told the Daily Mirror. "(Messi) is the best footballer in the world, without a doubt. It's very difficult to stop him, but we will work on it. And remember, Barcelona is not only Leo."

Indeed, they are not, and Sanchez will be aware of that as well as anybody. While the Chilean enjoyed every moment of playing for Barcelona, he, however, has no regrets about leaving the club.

"It wasn't easy to leave Barcelona," Sanchez said. "I fulfilled a dream when I moved there -- to play in Spain and for the champions -- but very few players stay in the same club all their life. To leave is normal.

"I wanted a new project, a new experience. And with so many attacking players at Barca it was a good choice to go. It has been a positive move and I love it at Arsenal."