Arsenal legend Ian Wright has picked out midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga for individual praise as the youngster was one of the few players that delivered on his home debut against Chelsea.
Lokonga, 21, has been the one shining light in this struggling Arsenal team and this was again demonstrated in the London derby defeat on Sunday.
He played the full 90 minutes for Mikel Arteta's side, signifying the important role the youngster has in helping the usually disorganised midfield tick over.
£15million for such a promising youngster could prove to be the Gunners' most astute piece of business in this summer's transfer window.
Former striker and Match of the Day pundit Wright has pinpointed Lokonga for individual praise for his performance that was there for all to see for the returning north London fans.
“What I saw of that today, apart from Lokonga – I thought he was very good today – [Nicolas] Pepe did a bit in places, I thought we were really bereft of anything,” he told Match of the Day 2.
“I don’t know what the tactics were. Because when you look at how easily they were able to breach, for me, it was quite frightening.”
His former Anderlecht manager and Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany knew these performances were forthcoming from the Belgium Under-21 International.
“With his qualities at his age, he stands out for me,” Kompany said.
“Will Sambi win his duels? Is he improving his defensive work? You ask yourself these questions as a coach. Well, I’ve seen him make a lot of progress in that area.”
The 21-year-old will most likely be rested for the West Brom Carabao Cup game on Wednesday with a massive Premier League game on the horizon next weekend against the champions Manchester City.
