Arsenal youngster will ‘compete with the rest’
There are a few young players whose contract extension is celebrated by the supporters even if they had barely featured in the first team.
When Arsenal reportedly extended the contract of Folarin Balogun, the club’s faithful sighed in relief, while the interested suitors sighed in agony. That tells you a lot about the talent the 19-year-old possesses.
The striker has 29 goal involvements for Arsenal’s U23 team in 49 appearances. That figure is even more exceptional in the U18s level where the 19-year-old has an astonishing 46 goal involvements in just 41 appearances.
I'm fully expecting a Folarin Balogun breakthrough season, next season. A player who has all the attributes to be a world class striker in years to come. He's a pace demon, positioning is really good, technique is amazing and shooting in phenominal. | #AFC https://t.co/ysdFqpFN9s
— Hale End Stats (@HaleEndStats) June 6, 2021
It doesn’t stop there. Last season, he recorded 0.5 goal involvements per match for the first team, which is an impressive number for a player who is still a teenager.
If the Red and White’s didn’t boast a lot of options at center-forward position, he might have already played more than he has. But that situation can change in the next campaign as Alexander Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are expected to leave the Emirates Stadium.
Football.London’s Chris Wheatley on his Twitter handle said that Balogun is set to be in and around the first-team action from the start.
Expectation is that Flo Balogun will compete for a place in the Arsenal first team next season.
Will be assessed in pre-season and 'compete for a place with the rest'. 🔴 #AFC
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) June 7, 2021
He said, “Expectation is that Flo Balogun will compete for a place in the Arsenal first team next season. Will be assessed in pre-season and ‘compete for a place with the rest’.”
The news was welcomed by the fanbase, who already have huge expectations for the teen. Although the Gunners have been linked to several names for the center-forward position, Balogun is clearly considered a player who can be a long-term successor of the prolific Pierre Emerick Aubameyang.
Next season, the American-born English will have many more chances to show the world as to exactly why he is being regarded so highly by the Arsenal fans.
Yash Bisht
That news makes me happy. With Laca and Auba becoming football pensioners Balogun will only add positives to the squad. This time unlike, Andy Cole and Serge Gnabry’ we can keep our special talents.
He must have talent and ‘potential’ to be a top player but from what I’ve seen (very little tbh) he has not impressed.
Hopefully he sets the premier league alight.
Personally want martinelli to be afforded more minutes as when he comes on (like a grealish) he always makes a positive impact to the game.. He is the Ronaldinho that didn’t get away so use him!
Edit: Ronaldo that didn’t get away. My iPhone would prefer it was Ronaldinho though;)
Arsenal can use their scarce transfer funds to address the areas of obvious deficiency, if they properly utilize the Academy and integrate Balogun and Willock into the squad. Players like Joel Lopez, Miguel Azeez, Nikolaj Moller, Daniel Ballard, Arthur Okonkwe and Charlie Patino are some waiting in the wings for their chance.
ozzie j lopez did himself no good during tierney absence. A particular game where they watch him, he gave away a silly penalty and was caught out most times.But his attacking work was impressive. Especially his crossing but i think he has preseason to get it right.
Xhaka once gave a penalty and cost us the UCL spot in the Emery era.Auba once missed an important penalty too.Luiz gave away penalties so did Kos. Let the lad learn from that little mistake and grow in awareness. Anway, what good is/was Kolasinac or Mustafi whome we paid hefty wages and transfer/signing fee? Give him gametime in the league cup.
👍
Who needs Erling Haaland..