Albert Sambi Lokonga hails Arsenal prodigy who can do ‘everything’ on the pitch

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Albert Sambi Lokonga has waxed lyrical about Gunners teammate Emile Smith Rowe, saying he can do “everything” skills-wise.

The 21-year-old is one of the best players to graduate from the Hale End setup in recent years.

Alongside Bukayo Saka, Smith Rowe has cemented his place in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI.

He had to bide his time at the Emirates Stadium, with just two Premier League appearances prior to last Christmas.

However, Arteta finally named him in the starting XI against Chelsea on Boxing Day – his full Premier League debut – and the rest is history.

Ten months on, and Smith Rowe has 53 competitive senior appearances to his name, plus two England Under-21 caps.

There’s no doubting that Smith Rowe is an incredibly talented and hard-working player, the kind who managers dream of coaching and fans love seeing on the pitch.

Lokonga, who took part in an Arsenal Q&A on YouTube this week, has become the latest to praise Smith Rowe.

When asked about who he thinks is the most skilful player in the Arsenal squad, the Belgian first named Nicolas Pepe, then spoke of Smith Rowe.

“Emile as well,” he said. “He controls everything.

“He controls passes and turns his opponent. Everything. I like the way [he does it]. It’s class! I like Emz.”