20 February 2024 , 17:15
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Jurgen Klopp has admitted he is surprised Arsenal loaned out Albert Sambi Lokonga to Luton.
Lokonga joined the Gunners for £17.2million from Anderlecht in July 2021, with Mikel Arteta impressed with his intelligence and maturity as a young midfielder. He made his debut on the opening weekend of the season at Brentford, but was a bit-part player in his first season at the club.
That continued into his second campaign at the Emirates, with Lokonga starting just two matches before being sent out on loan to Crystal Palace for the remainder of the season. He returned to Arsenal last summer after making nine appearances for Palace, but Arteta would chose to loan him out again, this time to Luton.
The 24-year-old has been impressive for the Hatters this season in their fight for Premier League survival and Liverpool manager Klopp has hinted he is shocked Arsenal allowed him to leave. Lokonga has started in each of Luton's last eight top-flight matches since returning to the XI.
Speaking ahead of his side's game against Luton at Anfield on Wednesday, Klopp said: "[Albert Sambi] Lokonga when you see him playing and you think, oh - He's an Arsenal player and they loaned him? Interesting."
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As for Liverpool, they can move five points clear at the top of the Premier League with victory over Luton. The game has been moved forward a couple of days due to the Reds' participation in the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea on Sunday.
Albert Sambi Lokonga joined Luton from Arsenal on loan last summer (Getty Images)The Reds beat Brentford 4-1 over the weekend to continue their push for the title, but face a stern test against Luton, who are battling for safety at the bottom. When quizzed on the Hatters, Klopp praised Edwards' side and also singled out Lokonga. He said: "Set-pieces are a strength [of Luton] but I have to say the way they play, they play incredible but even in games they lost they were in it.
"We experienced a tough game there and now in possession they found a structure where everyone is comfortable. Ross Barkley is a nice story where he is back to his best, or better. A deeper role, disciplined and extremely strong. Lokonga when you see him you can tell he's an Arsenal player on loan.
"They are a really together [squad]. The situation at Bournemouth whenthe captan (Tom Lockyer collapsed) brought them closer and made them think some things are worse in life than maybe getting relegated. In general they deserve respect. We have to show that with a proper Liverpool performance. Everyone who enters the gate to Anfield has be on their toes."
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