At just 21 years of age Arsenal’s new signing, Sambi, as he likes to be called, made his debut for the FIFA number one ranked team in the world. Belgium. Shortly after being substituted on, he picked up the ball in midfield, taking on two or three players before carrying the ball 30 yards and finding a teammate in the oppositions penalty box. That just about sums up Arsenal’s new midfielder. He is fearless.
Similarly to Matteo Guendouzi in 2018, Sambi was bought with one eye on the future but has been thrust into the team. He was expected to be slowly introduced into the fold, serving a rotational role for now. Instead, due to injuries and suspensions, Sambi has started three of Arsenal’s opening four Premier League games and right now looks un-droppable.
Despite being just 21, it wouldn’t be fair to call Sambi inexperienced. He made 61 appearances in the first tier of Belgian Football and eventually went on to captain his boyhood club RSC Anderlecht. The jump to Premier League football however, widely regarded as the toughest league in the world, is something many footballers struggle with. Not Sambi. The young Belgian started Arsenal’s league opener against a very physical Brentford side. Arsenal would lose the game but Sambi was individually excellent.-
Much like his teammate Thomas Partey, Sambi is always looking to move forward. Whether it’s by opening his body and taking the ball past his opposite number, picking up the ball and driving forward in long powerful strides or playing a pass into space for his teammates. The Belgian is a breath of fresh air in Arsenal’s midfield.
Granit Xhaka’s straight red card against Manchester City saw him miss the Norwich game, which Sambi started alongside Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Xhaka will also miss a trip away to Burnley and Arsenal fans will hope this is the first time Sambi and Partey start alongside each other in midfield. The combination should create some interesting dynamics for the team. Both players are very progressive and comfortable with the ball at their feet. This should see Arsenal progress the ball through midfield efficiently and quickly.
Both midfielders are also defensively proficient and urgent in the tackle. This partnership should see Arsenal winning the ball back in midfield efficiently and often, capable of transitioning into attack swiftly.
Arteta is likely to stick to his favoured 4-2-3-1 and deploy Sambi and Partey alongside each other in a double pivot, however, he has hinted to a move to 4-3-3 in recent games. If so it is likely one of the two deeper midfielders would sit while the other played with more freedom, as an eight. The only reference we have for who would sit in this case, is from a friendly against Millwall in July. This remains the only period the two shared the same pitch and Sambi was deployed in the deeper role, suggesting but not guaranteeing Arteta would look to do similar against Burnley.
For just £17m, Arsenal seem to have picked up a diamond. Without wanting to place unnecessarily demanding expectations on the shoulders of what is still a very young man, Sambi has all the assets to improve massively. He is mature and has experience of leadership. He is brave on the pitch and positive in his play.
If Arsenal can nurture and develop their young Belgian, there is no limit to the midfielder’s potential. For Sambi, he must focus on the present. By performing every week he is turning heads and keeping others out of the team.
This is only the start for Arsenal’s Belgian baller.