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Vieira reveals what he's noticed about Lokonga in training, it's good news for Arsenal

Vieira reveals what he's noticed about Lokonga in training, it's good news for Arsenal

Vieira has opened up about Lokonga.

Chris Byfield

Chris Byfield

Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira revealed what he’s noticed about Arsenal loanee Albert Sambi Lokonga in training.

Lokonga joined Palace on Deadline Day and has since made two appearances from the bench for the south Londoners, in a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United and a 1-1 draw against bitter rivals Brighton and Hove Albion.

However, the 23-year-old could make his full debut for the Eagles tomorrow, when they travel to Brentford.

The two capital clubs are in contrasting form with the Bees boasting a nine-point advantage over the south Londoners.

Thomas Frank's side are on a ten-game unbeaten run in the Premier League while Vieira’s men are on a seven-game winless streak.

The Palace boss is yet to have settled on a first-choice midfield partner for Cheick Doucoure with Jeffrey Schlupp and Will Hughes having featured to varying degrees of success in recent weeks.

In turn, there may be an opportunity for Lokonga to secure regular game-time at Palace.

Vieira on Lokonga

Vieira claimed Lokonga was impressing in Palace training and added that the Belgian international could start tomorrow’s London derby.

The Crystal Palace boss said: ​​“He’s been training well since he’s been with us.

“I still have until tomorrow to decide on the XI. I’m happy with what he’s been doing lately in training.”

Having only been in south London for 17 days, Lokonga appears to have settled in well with the large French contingent in the Palace squad.

Moreover, the Belgian has also been a supportive figure to fellow January signing Naouirou Ahamada.

Speaking to the South London Press the Ahamada said: “London is good, it’s a big city, it’s a very good city and I’m happy to be here.

“I want to enjoy my time in London and learn and work with the guys. The guys are helping me. There are a lot of guys, experienced guys like Jordan (Ayew).

“Jordan speaks with me and we also have a lot of French [speakers] like Odsonne (Edouard), Sambi speaks French also. Sambi is a good guy. He helps me and it is good for me to be with him.”

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Football, Arsenal, Transfers, Crystal Palace, Patrick Vieira, Brentford

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.