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‘Has to be in’, ‘looks superb’: Some Arsenal fans want 21-year-old ‘baller’ to start v Brentford

Giuseppe Labellarte

Thu 12 August 2021 21:15, UK

Arsenal fans have urged Mikel Arteta to name Albert Sambi Lokonga in the Gunners starting XI for their Premier League opener.

Lokonga joined Arsenal in July, the Gunners paying Anderlecht a reported for his signature.

The 21-year-old has done well for Arsenal in pre-season, delivering an exciting cameo against Chelsea and impressing against Spurs.

Even though the Gunners lost to their rivals, Lokonga was one of his team’s standout performers in the first half.

As per , he completed 31 of 32 passes in the opening 45 minutes, with a success rate of 96.9 percent – no Arsenal player had higher.

Lokonga also gained possession three times, made one tackle and one interception.

Thomas Partey is currently on the sidelines, while Granit Xhaka is staying put.

Therefore, Arteta has to decide between Lokonga and Mohamed Elneny to partner the Swiss against Brentford on Friday.

Here is what some Arsenal fans have been saying about their pick for the game:

Lokonga tho, he will be a baller seen enough from him to see he will be a very good singing. Looks a top player, looking forward to seeing more of him. Partey is out so hopefully him and Xhaka against Bees 🤞

— Kieran Feltham (@KFeltham10)

My XI for Brentford:

Leno
Chambers Holding White Tierney
Lokonga Xhaka
Saka Esr Martinelli
Auba

— Ali (@AfcAli_A)

I don’t think Bukayo Saka is ready to start & I think Pablo Mari will start despite his poor showings in pre-season simply because he’s left footed.

Other than that I think the line-up picks itself to be honest. Lokonga has to be in there over Elneny for me, that’s a must.

— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI)

Leno
Chambers White Mari Tierney
Xhaka Lokonga
Smith Rowe
Pepe Lacca Saka

— Shem🇯🇲 (@AfcShem)

And finally…. Lokonga and Xhaka is the midfield partnership that is go with tomorrow, Lokonga has been playing like he’s been at Arsenal for years in pre season so he deffo deserves the start, especially with Thomas Partey out for a little bit.

— shane (@shane_harrisonn)

Exactly.
White is a massive upgrade on RCB and starting 11.
Tavares is a massive upgrade on Kolasinac.
Lokonga looks superb and will compete for starting 11.
What’s to moan about?

— Chris Invincible (@chrismthegreat)

With Partey missing until after international break we have to play Lokonga. Don't want to see a Xhaka Elneny pivot.

— The Divine Beard (@Pier147)