ARSENAL

The coaching staff of Arsenal believes Lokonga could be better than Thomas Partey

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Albert Sambi Lokonga plays the same role as Thomas Partey at Arsenal. Both the players are comfortable in playing the no.6 role, however, Partey has been a regular starter at Arsenal than Lokonga. The 22-year-old Belgium international hasn’t played since the Premier League match against Burnley in a 0-0 draw in January.

According to The Athletic, The youngster did make a number of regular appearances at the start of the season. However, he has not been able to keep that going for long. Since Partey is a player of good experience of playing at the highest level, very few managers in the world would resist the temptation to play him.

Lokonga has made just 14 appearances for the Gunners this season. Therefore, the coaching staff’s beliefs are even more astonishing. Although he does play well, very few in the world would suggest that he is a better player than Thomas Partey. Arsenal bought Thomas Partey for a fee of £45 million from Atletico Madrid. This suggests how important of a player he is for the London Club.

Where do Sambi Lokonga and Thomas Partey fit in at Arsenal?

Thomas Partey has established himself as the regular starter in the Arsenal lineup. It will be difficult for Arsenal to find a replacement or a better player in that position easily. The no.6 role is of crucial importance in Arteta’s system at Arsenal. Partey does play that role pretty well as Arsenal’s recent results are evidence of how well Partey plays his role.

Albert Sambi Lokonga has put in some impressive performances for Arsenal. However, the 22-year-old still has a lot to learn while playing in the top flight. He is yet to face string Champions League sides to get the reputation of Thomas Partey. Nevertheless, what he also needs is game time to improve and compete for a place in the lineup.

Sambi Lokonga is more a long-term replacement option for Thomas Partey. Mikel Arteta is more likely to develop Lokonga in training and occasional appearances very much as he did with Martinelli. However, if the Arsenal coaching staff does believe that Lokonga is a better option, then there isn’t much to do with Partey’s position. The 28-year-old does not suit other midfield options and might get benched if he does not start.

Although the coaching staff does believe that Lokonga is a better option, he still might not start ahead of Partey. The coaching staff might be of the belief that Lokonga is potentially a better player than Partey which is certainly a possibility. However, Arteta and the Arsenal coaching staff will have closely monitor Lokonga if they have much higher expectations from him.

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