Report: After claims he was among worst trainers, £15m Arsenal man has now impressed staff

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According to Football London, Albert Sambi Lokonga has impressed those within Arsenal during pre-season.

What’s the story?

Well, when discussing the chances of Arsenal signing Youri Tielemans from Leicester, it was said that the £15m signing from Anderlecht has actually been shining in the No.8 role over the summer.

It comes after Roberto Martinez suggested that Lokonga was among the worst trainers during the last international break with Belgium.

Football London believe Charlie Patino is also hoping to make the step up into the No.8 role at some point, but it is the Belgium international who has been impressing staff members with his efforts in that position.

Lokonga has also showcased his attacking intent during pre-season, arriving late in the box to score a delightful header during the 4-0 win over Chelsea.

The 22-year-old was only given 12 starts in the Premier League last term following his move from Anderlecht, as he struggled to nail down a place in the starting XI under Mikel Arteta.

However, it sounds like he hasn’t let that affect him, as he impresses those at London Colney.

Albert Sambi Lokonga could be vital for Arsenal

Interestingly, talk of Lokonga starring in a No.8 role comes just months after sources claimed that Arteta’s staff felt the Belgian was better than Thomas Partey in the No.6 role.

That speaks volumes, as the No.6 role is a seriously tough job in Arteta’s system.

Whoever plays there is tasked with receiving the ball from the backline during the buildup, where they will then have to break lines and progress the ball forward to kickstart an attack.

They must also be solid defensively, and protect the backline.

Therefore, the fact that Lokonga has impressed staff while playing in both the No.6 and No.8 role suggests he has a massive future at the Emirates Stadium, and many strings to his bow in midfield.