Patrick Vieira assesses Arsenal loanee’s first Crystal Palace start

Patrick Vieira says he was pleased with Albert Sambi Lokonga’s first Crystal Palace start last weekend against Brentford.

The Eagles boss has also explained why he took the midfielder off in the 63rd minute at the Gtech Community Stadium.

The Arsenal loanee started alongside Cheick Doucoure in the midfield and was taken off for Eberechi Eze, who opened the scoring six minutes after he was introduced against the Bees.

Lonkonga had made two substitute appearances under Vieira before starting in west London last Saturday.

The Belgian midfielder joined on the last day of the January transfer window, signing a loan deal at Selhurst Park until the end of the season.

Palace, who are still searching for their first win of 2023, host Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool tomorrow.

“He’s been really good,” said Vieira of the 23-year-old since he arrived at Selhurst Park.

“I was happy with the game he had against Brentford. 

“I took him off because he didn’t play for a while, and physically he was starting to drop off a little bit. 

“For his first start, I was pleased with what I saw on the field.

“He can improve us and [allow us] to have one extra player going forward – he has that in his locker.

“He is capable of playing between the lines – technically, he is really comfortable.

“With the quality he has, he can break the line and find those players between the line.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD