When Albert Sambi Lokonga was bought by Anderlecht this summer from Anderlecht, few expected him to be play as regularly as he has done at Arsenal this season.
There was even a belief the young midfielder could end up being loaned out for the current season, but, instead, the 22-year-old already boasts 12 appearances for the Gunners and is expected to carry on starting in Mikel Arteta’s midfield going forward.
His growth has taken many by surprise, including himself, as he explained to RTBF while on duty with the Belgium national team, for whom he already has a cap under his belt.
He said: “Yes, it’s gone a bit quicker than anticipated, but I was well prepared on physically, mentally and on a football level. I don’t want to say that I had the required qualities but apparently they suit the manager? I’m fighting for my spot, I play games and I’m getting minutes. I’m very happy. I made the right choice, but I already knew that”.
Feeling he’s already progressed ‘defensively’ and on his ‘consistency’, the youngster does feel he could do more offensively, but he also points out ‘that’s not what’s being asked’ of him at this moment in time.
It’s something he’s definitely capable of, scoring three goals and picking up seven assists during his time at Anderlecht, but, for now, it’s all about doing what the Arsenal manager wants from him.
He continued: “The manager speaks to me a lot, I like that, but he doesn’t let me rest. I was told that he’d said that my integration and my performances impressed him. Good, but next year, he’ll see an even better Sambi!”.
That’s all Arsenal fans, and perhaps even Arteta and his staff, want, and if the young midfielder can continue to progress and fulfil his potential, few will complain, least of all his manager.
