What a brilliant performance that was, Arteta need to call Him back as soon as possible before Chelsea will snatch Him from us’: Gary Neville was left amazed by Arsenal loanee performance today
What a brilliant performance that was, Arteta need to call Him back as soon as possible before Chelsea will snatch Him from us’: Gary Neville was left amazed by Arsenal loanee performance today
Gary Neville was left amazed by Arsenal loanee Albert Sambi Lokonga during his performance for Luton Town on Sunday.
Luton gave a brilliant account of themselves in defeat at Kenilworth Road. Two early goals from Rasmus Hojlund set Manchester United on their way to victory.
The Hatters were superb. But they also rode their luck at times. And it did appear that Bruno Fernandes had an easy opportunity to put the visitors 3-1 ahead in the second-half as he took the ball past Thomas Kaminski on the edge of the penalty area.
Gary Neville lauds Albert Sambi Lokonga
Fernandes had an open goal in front of him. And yet, almost from nowhere Albert Sambi Lokonga managed to stretch his leg out to block the Manchester United captain’s attempt.
And speaking on Sky Sports (broadcast on 18/2; 17:50), Gary Neville suggested that he was amazed by how well the Arsenal loanee did.
“Lokonga, it’s a brilliant counter attack from United and Kaminski gets caught in no mans land. But he doesn’t give up, he doesn’t stop. And he just throws everything at it. Bruno Fernandes can’t believe it,” he said.
The Belgian took some time to find his feet at Luton. There were even discussions over whether to terminate Lokonga’s loan at one stage. But he has been superb over the last few weeks.
And Sunday arguably saw his best performance yet. According to Whoscored, Lokonga completed more passes than any other player on the pitch. He brought a real composure to just in front of the backline.
‘He’s been really good’
And as the full-time whistle loomed, Neville issued his verdict on the midfielder’s overall display.
“He’s been really good, Lokonga. We talked before the game about Ross Barkley. But Lokonga’s been outstanding,” Neville added.
Of course, Lokonga has a huge task trying to force his way into the Arsenal fold. The Gunners are a vastly different side to the one he joined.
However, performances like the one on Sunday are only going to help his cause. Certainly, you would imagine that Mikel Arteta would have been extremely impressed.
