Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is delighted with the progress Sambi Lokonga has achieved since joining the club last summer.
The 22-year-old joined the north London club from Belgian side Anderlecht for around £17m. The midfielder is enjoying a productive debut campaign in the English top-flight this season, making 19 appearances in all competitions.
Despite dominating the game, Arteta’s side had to settle for a 0-0 draw against Burnley on Sunday. The Gunners are now without a win in their last five games in all competitions and have failed to score in their last four games.
Despite his team’s recent slump, the Gunners boss felt the Belgian’s performance in recent games has been one of the positives for his team. Speaking with the club’s media after the game, Arteta said that Lokonga is developing and adapting to the physicality of the Premier League pretty well.
The Gunners boss further stated that they had to utilize the 22-year-old more than they expected ahead of this season and the Spaniard is happy with the Belgian’s display. Arteta said:
“I think he is growing, he is playing better and better. I think he had a really good game the other day against Liverpool, his understanding of the game, he is managing the physicality much better, he is maturing. It’s a lot to ask.
“When we signed him, the expectation that we had for him in the first year was to start adapting but he has had to play many more minutes than we expected and the kid is trying his best, and I think he’s doing pretty well.”
Arsenal Fever View:
Sambi Lokonga has been a great acquisition for Arsenal. The midfielder has shown glimpses of his talent so far this season and has filled the void brilliantly during the absence of senior squad members.
The 22-year-old can play threading through passes from the deep and also has an eye for long-range passes. The youngster has almost every attribute to become an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s system in future.
The youngster was the captain of Anderlecht before joining the Emirates club and the Belgian’s leadership qualities could be a great asset for the Spanish boss’ side, given the Gunners have a talented young squad.
Meanwhile, following the disappointing result against Burnley, Arsenal failed to climb up the table ahead of the international break. They are currently in sixth place with 36 points in 21 games and will travel to Molineux Stadium to take on Wolverhampton next.
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