‘Thiago-esque’… Arsenal loanee labelled a ‘quality’ footballer despite his side’s defeat on Saturday

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One journalist was full of praise for Arsenal loanee Albert Sambi Lokonga during the early stages of Luton Town’s defeat to Sheffield United on Saturday.

It proved to be a hugely disappointing day for Rob Edwards’ side. Their hopes of staying up were dealt a big blow, with the Blades leaving Kenilworth Road with the three points.

Luton have been one of the surprise packages of the season so far. So many would have expected them to beat Chris Wilder’s men this weekend.

Albert Sambi Lokonga compared with Thiago Alcantara during Luton loss

And one of those who has impressed in recent weeks is Albert Sambi Lokonga. Lokonga made a slow start to his loan spell with the Hatters. And there were even discussions that Lokonga could see his loan move terminated prematurely.

However, the Belgian has proved a point more recently. And those Arsenal fans still hoping to see the 24-year-old force his way into Mikel Arteta’s plans will be delighted by some of the praise he received on Saturday, with The Athletic journalist Caoimhe O’Neill clearly impressed on X by Lokonga early on…

Too soon to write Arsenal midfielder off?

As shown by Whoscored, Lokonga completed 74 passes during the game. That put him eight clear of anyone else on the pitch. Meanwhile, he also won all three tackles he attempted.

It is still going to be a huge task for Lokonga to force his way into the Arsenal fold again. But perhaps this spell will open a few more doors for him.

Certainly, sides further up the Premier League table should be looking at Lokonga. And if he can also impress there, then perhaps Arteta will be left with some food for thought.

It is easy to forget now, but the hopes were incredibly high when Lokonga signed for Arsenal from Anderlecht.

The midfielder may now be starting to remind everyone of just how much potential he has.