Jeff Stelling and Lee Hendrie have raved about Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga on Sky Sports News (12:07pm, October 23, 2021) after watching him in action against Aston Villa on Friday night.
Arsenal won 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium.
Gillette Soccer Saturday presenter Stelling believes that Arsenal midfielder Lokonga is “absolutely unheralded”.
And Sky Sports pundit and former Aston Villa midfielder Hendrie agrees.
Stelling said: “Lokonga, first of all, only 22, absolutely unheralded. I thought he was brilliant for the time he was on the pitch.”
Hendrie responded: “I thought as well. Him and Partey certainly were the main instigators to breaking play up and playing forward as well.”
Rising Arsenal star at Arsenal
Lokonga joined Arsenal from Anderlecht in the summer transfer window.
The Gunners paid the Belgian club £17.2 million in transfer fees, according to BBC Sport.
The 22-year-old was expected to gradually settle in at Arsenal, but he has already established himself as a key player in manager Mikel Arteta’s team.
Granit Xhaka’s suspension and injury have helped, of course.
But, in our view, Lokonga would have got into the team regardless because he has so much quality.
The Belgium international is very good on the ball, drives the team forward, and protects the back-line well.
The Arsenal no. 23 has made five starts and three substitute appearances in the Premier League so far this season.
We think that Lokonga and Thomas Partey are now set as the two pivots in the Arsenal midfield.
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