Unable to get many minutes at Arsenal, Albert Sambi Lokonga was forced to find himself a new club in the January transfer window.
That’s when Crystal Palace came along and gave him the opportunity to play regularly under a manager who appreciates what it’s like to be a good midfielder.
Already learning from Vincent Kompany at Anderlecht, the player is now under the tutelage of Patrick Vieira, who has been in charge at Selhurst Park for over a year now.
The move to Crystal Palace came at the right time for the Belgian, who needed something new after stagnating of late at Arsenal.
He said: “What’s important for me is to play regularly, that’s what I need and the manager is behind me and believe in me. It’s a relief, because it was no longer mentally possible at Arsenal. I watched my games and I didn’t recognise myself, so it was time for me to try something new.”
Since joining Crystal Palace, Lokonga has played in every league game to date, coming off the bench in the games against Manchester United and Brighton, before starting the two fixtures against Brentford and Liverpool.
He will return to Arsenal in the summer, as the loan is without an option to buy.
