BY HALF-TIME at Oxford, the Arsenal fans bemoaned that many of the fringe players simply are not of the quality required for the team to sustain its title challenge. However, there seems to be one player singled out for criticism more than others – Albert Sambi Lokonga.
Albert Sambi Lokonga has struggled to make his mark at ArsenalCredit: Zuma Press
The Belgian midfielder was not alone in under-performing but there are reasons why the concern is amplified.
Fabio Vieira is younger and in his first campaign, and it is obvious to supporters what he may offer when he adds a bit of muscle.
Once supported by Granit Xhaka and Oleksandr Zinchenko in the second period, the young Portuguese showed his worth.
Rob Holding and Mohamed Elneny are universally accepted as not being quite at the level to play in Mikel Arteta’s first team, but both can step in and do a job and do not seem too frustrated at their lack of action.
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With Sambi Lokonga, though, we have an entirely different situation.
He has been vocal in his frustration, perhaps understandable if the reports are true that Arteta blocked a loan move to Burnley for a reunion with his old mentor Vincent Kompany.
However, from my perspective, the main issue with the young Belgian is that no one seems sure – the fans, the man himself or his coach – where his best position is.
Last season, in a more traditional 4-2-3-1, he played as both the deeper and more advanced pivot, showing us glimpses of talent in the two roles, but shining in neither.
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Now, in the adapted 4-1-4-1 or 4-3-3, Sambi Lokonga – or Arteta – has to decide whether he is cover for Thomas Partey or if he can handle the more advanced and creative role that Xhaka has made his own.
In the past, we have been blessed with cover players good enough to play anywhere in the midfield – Edu and Ray Parlour would be fabulous examples.
Either could come in for Patrick Vieira or Gilberto Silva, and often did, without any significant weakening of the team.
After the FA Cup win at Oxford, where the team’s performance improved after his withdrawal, I found it hard to decide what I felt was best for the player and the club.
Particularly as it is clear his manager sees Elneny as his first-choice cover for any Partey absence.
So, I decided to ask a few friends and conducted a Twitter poll, asking whether a loan might be an idea to improve Sambi Lokonga, or whether our supporters have seen enough, that he is not quite good enough and that Arsenal should look to sell.
The Belgian is not a clear No6 or a No8 which seems to be a problemCredit: Getty
Sambi Lokonga had little impact in the win at OxfordCredit: Getty
The results are interesting and some of the comments more so, but more than 63 per cent of the 3,215 to vote see merit in loaning Sambi Lokonga for a season.
It would be hard to see Arsenal allowing a January exit without bringing in a more experienced replacement and it was no surprise to see Sambi Lokonga’s compatriot Youri Tielemans mentioned.
Tielemans is obviously keen, and he can play anywhere in the midfield and Leicester are unlikely to reject a decent offer as he only has six months left on his Foxes contract.
Many of those in favour of Sambi Lokonga being sent on loan to get the regular football and confidence he needs have suggested Burnley.
In part, this may be that they showed an interest last summer, but it is more that those fans see Sambi Lokonga thriving and getting his mojo back under Kompany, who entrusted him with the captaincy of Anderlecht at such a young age.
Vincent Kompany could reignite his career at high-flying BurnleyCredit: PA
A few observed how well Charlie Patino is developing at Blackpool, starting every week in the Championship.
Others suggested perhaps a loan to Ligue 1 in France might suit him, in the way it so obviously has for Folarin Balogun.
Aged 23, the would-be accountants in our fanbase reckon that should Sambi Lokonga thrive on loan, his sell-on value could easily increase to more than the £15million the club paid for him in 2021.
In that sense, the loan option is a sensible economic one, aswell as having merits for the improvement of the player.
It would allow Arteta and his staff to watch Sambi Lokonga playing regularly in one position and to decide for good if he can play a part in Arsenal’s short-term ambitions.
Lastly, and not surprisingly after so many false dawns and limp displays, 36 per cent have seen enough and favour the club looking to sell now.
The general observation, as stated earlier, is that Sambi Lokonga is neither one thing nor another, lacking the creativity to play at No8, or the physicality and game reading to play as a No6.
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I am sure Arteta, Edu and the staff are discussing this, just like the fans, and it will be fascinating to see what short-term plan is decided upon for Albert Sambi Lokonga.
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Genuinely interested in the perception now, Sambi Lokonga?— Dave Seager (@goonerdave66) January 10, 2023 More
