Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has lauded Albert Sambi Lokonga after naming him in the starting 11 for the trip to Brighton.
The Spanish coach named a similar lineup to the team that he fielded against local rivals Tottenham Hotspur, starting 10 of the 11 players that were fielded from the start against Nuno Espirito Santo's side.
Swiss captain Granit Xhaka was the only player to not start both games, with the tough-tackling midfielder enduring a nasty knee injury after colliding with Brazilian frontman Lucas Moura in the second half.
Summer signing Lokonga replaced Xhaka in the lineup and Arteta heaped praise on the Belgian youngster before the game at the Amex Stadium.
"He’s been terrific, the way he has adapted how quickly to what we want, the personality he shows on the pitch we have to use him", Arteta told Sky Sports. "For his age, he’s really mature."
He continued: " Winning raises the confidence level and belief and gives you some momentum but that’s it.
"The threshold all the time between confidence and complacency is very tricky and today we have to be really focused, we have a good opponent ahead of us and we’re going to have to have a top performance to win the game."
Lokonga joined from Pro League outfit Anderlecht for £16million in the summer and started during losses against Brentford and Chelsea earlier on in the Premier League this term.
The 21-year-old has showcased an impressive press resistance, combining a rare blend of close control and progressive passing with an undeniable physical presence.
He partnered former Atletico Madrid maestro Thomas Partey in a double pivot for the clash against Graham Potter's side.
