Albert Sambi Lokonga- In-depth Analysis
Albert Sambi Lokonga is set to join Arsenal in a deal speculated to be around £18m. Which raises the questions: Have The Gunners overpaid, underpaid or broke even and how is Lokonga likely to fit into the side?
In 81 appearances for Anderlecht, Albert has been used in a multitude of roles. Albeit, almost entirely as a Central Midfielder or Defensive Midfielder, although has proven his adaptability and versatility being used as an Attacking Midfielder, Right Midfielder and Right Winger on several occasions. Yet, last season Albert was used exclusively in Central Midfielder and Defensive Midfielder, so one would only presume that Arteta would use him in either of these roles.
In majority, Arsenal operated in a 4–2–3–1 system and there is a good chance that Arteta will use this system again in the coming season, with Granit Xhaka likely to leave to join José Mourinho’s AS Roma, Lokonga is likely to form a partnership with Thomas Partey, acting as a double pivot. Fortunately, for Arsenal, Anderlecht operate principally in the same system, with Lokonga operating on the right of a double pivot, with Partey being left-footed, tactically Lokonga should play on the right, a role that he is seasoned and familiar in.
Anderlecht have a strong academy, alumni consisting of Romelu Lukaku, Vimcent Kompany, Dennis Praet, Jeremy Doku and Youri Tielemans- the last of the above-stated is who I see similar to Lokonga, a Anderlecht graduate now performing highly in the Premier League.
Sambi Lokonga is averaging 2 interceptions/game, a club high. His compatriot averages only 1.2 interceptions/game. Lokonga is dribbled past less than 1 time per game, showing his capabilities defensively, whereas Tielemans is dribbled past 1.7 times per game. Although, this must be caveated by the fact that Tielemans is playing in a harder league, nevertheless Sambi is younger. Regardless of the aforementioned caveat, Lokonga’s defensive numbers are impressive.
Lokonga is an extremely progressive player; averaging 61.3 passes/game, the second highest figure in the Jupiler Pro League. Tielemans averages 65.2 passes/game, a larger number yet in the Premier League that number only warrants the 24th greatest ranking. Although by itself, passes/game can offer very little insight if not coupled with pass success percentage. Lokonga completes 84.2% of his passes, whereas Tielemans completes 81.7%. Lokonga therefore completes 54.9 successful passes/game- the highest in the league, this is made even more impressive when considering the aforestated progressiveness Lokonga passes with.
As expected, due to his position. Albert makes the majority of his passes in the middle of the pitch, Lokonga lacks a tendency to steamroll forward, a clear embodiment of his tactical nous and discipline, at the young age of 21.
Lokonga is not a dribbler as such, only completing one dribble per match . His style of play is focused around lending himself to pick up the ball, take few touches and pass again. I think this sequence of play shows perfectly Lokonga’s (12) strenghts.
Lokonga’s positioning here is clever, whilst one of the opposition presses he creates an easy angle to pass to whilst also not being under pressure himself.
Following a somewhat wayward pass from his teammate, Lokonga uses his athleticism to retain possession of the ball.
Lokonga then brings the ball under control. A clever touch then draws the opposition player away from his teammate before he releases the ball to the aforementioned player.
Lokonga, in typical tiki-taka fashion passes the ball and moves into space, once again drawing both defenders and allowing for his teammate to have an easier passing lane, Lokonga then recieves the ball whilst on the move.
To finish his involvement, Lokonga plays a progressive pass into the opposition’s half.
This sequence of play shows Lokonga’s positioning, tactical intelligence, technical ability and composure. Considering the riskiness of the passing sequences that Lokonga is part of, it is highly impressive that he is dispossessed less than once per game.
In summary, there is plenty to be positive about surrounding Sambi Lokonga, although his attacking output is not outstanding: 5 G/A in his most recent season is not poor. Lokonga injects a great deal of tempo and energy into Anderlecht and this pace in the build-up could be notably beneficial for Arsenal. I for-see this being a very good and profitable transfer. Lokonga has at least 9 years left before you can expect any decline and his career trajectory is only going one way. In a couple of years time, I see £18m looking a bargain in hindsight.
Thank you for reading,
Max
