But isn't Villa the one actually performing better? He is more efficient in terms of his contribution to the team. Last season Sanchez had 41 appearances and scored 15 and assisted 5. Villa appeared 24 times and scored 10 and assisted 2.
This season Villa has started 10 games and came on as a substitute for 10 games and has scored 8 goals and has 1 assist. Sanchez has started 12 games and 7 games as a substitute and has scored only 1 goal and assisted 4.
A bit OT but while that first bit is seemingly true (statistically) in terms of Villa's performances, the efficiency (Barcelona-wise) aspect is where the pair diverge, IMO. Tito is banking on having industrious wide men (Pedro clones) who pressure high and insure space for Messi in the middle of the park.
Sanchez & Villa are different players but asked to do similar things for the team yet there's a mounting realization that Alexis has the skills to provide more - pressure off the ball, dribbling, creating space out wide, passing ability to set up his teammates (Leo) and pace to separate from his defender. Where Sanchez pales in comparison to Villa, obviously, is in terms of goalscoring since Alexis isn't a natural scorer. However, based on the current club tactics, perhaps he doesn't necessarily need to be. A wide player has to be a 2-way threat, drawing defenders, creating space etc. - especially in tight areas in that final third. Areas where Villa hasn't been able to consistently provide what Pedro or Alexis can have been taking advantage of pace as well as passing to set up Leo - at least, this appears to be Tito's interpretation based on how he's been used (or not used). Even Iniesta has been used out wide left more this season to greater success than last season due to Alba's overlapping runs.
It's frustrating for a lot of fans, including myself, since Villa is clearly a bonafide/worldclass goalscoring threat when he's on the pitch. However, he's been reduced to a bit role as a substitute despite Sanchez disappointing at many times this season - particularly in front of goal. The difference, apart from their strengths is also that Sanchez is younger and still has ample time to tailor his game for what the team needs whereas Villa's best attributes aren't being taken advantage of - so, again, I'd hazard a guess that it'll be him that moves. Barcelona haven't played regularly with a true CF since Eto'O and Ibra, Henry & Villa have since had mixed success playing out wide left. So, with David's pace obviously on the decline, even an excellent player who becomes a bit more static gets marginalized on a team like this - same happened recently to Ibra who still can obviously be a focal point for a club.
Players like Cuenca & Tello along with Deulofeu (Dongou not far behind) thriving in that role on the flanks also adds to the argument that it'll be Villa who leaves since there will be ample depth of dangerous players out wide.
Only way Villa continues past June, I believe, is if he succeeds in making that wide left position his again - and I don't see it happening. Truth is, Neymar probably represents a balance of marketing and skill despite perhaps being unnecessary. Could even arguably see
both Villa & Alexis gone were the Brasilian to arrive.
And who exactly are you going to pick over Villa for Spain? Soldado and Llorente are the only proper backup options they have since Torres is shit. Villa has at least another year to play for Spain before being frozen out.
Villa will continue to be key for Furia Roja
And so it will start.