Rising Star Folarin Balogun: An Uncertain Future at Arsenal, Will They Regret Letting Him Go?

Chris Wilder and Alan Knill have a general rule when it comes to recruiting young players; they typically avoid taking on anyone for their first loan due to the steep learning curve involved. However, in 2022, when Folarin Balogun became available while they were in charge of Middlesbrough in the Championship, they decided to make an exception. Balogun's exceptional talent made him too good to pass up, according to Knill.

Middlesbrough did not witness Balogun's full potential in the end. Despite his impressive record in Arsenal's academy and with England's youth teams, Balogun only managed to score three goals in 18 Championship appearances at the Riverside Stadium.

Nevertheless, it was evident that Balogun was on a promising trajectory, even before his remarkable 21-goal season on loan at Reims, following a somewhat challenging introduction to senior football.

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Folarin Balogun netted 21 goals in Ligue 1 during the previous season for Reims.

"People reached out to me inquiring about my thoughts on him, and my consistent response was that I would readily sign him. I firmly believe that he possesses immense talent which is yet to fully blossom," expresses Knill to We. "It was only a matter of time before he showcased his potential."

Balogun's impressive performance at Reims last season was undeniable. Scoring 21 goals, he surpassed all other players aged 21 or under in Europe's top leagues and trailed behind only seven players across the continent. Will Still, the club's manager, hailed him as a "super complete" striker. As a result, he has garnered significant interest from numerous clubs, with a valuation of £50m. The appeal lies in his exceptional technical and physical abilities.

"Primarily, he is not only a remarkable individual but also an outstanding individual, however, we were immediately captivated by his remarkable skill," reminisces Knill. "Incredibly swift footwork and an adept ability to finish. He possessed a keen sense of spatial awareness and exhibited great mobility. He showcased numerous commendable qualities."

These qualities were only sporadically evident during his tenure at Middlesbrough, but they consistently shone through during his stint at Reims. It was here that, for the first time at a professional level, he demonstrated the entirety of his goal-scoring potential.

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Balogun celebrated his late equalizer against PSG, standing out with a breakaway strike that secured a draw in January. Additionally, he delivered a stunning volley to complete a hat-trick against Lorient a few days later. Notably, Balogun showcased his versatility by scoring five goals with his weaker left foot and two with his head.

"He is proficient in scoring goals from various angles, using both feet, and employing a variety of finishes," asserts Saul Isaksson-Hurst, Balogun's personal and technical coach, to We. "He possesses that innate killer instinct in front of the goal, characteristic of all elite strikers."

"He encompasses all of these qualities," concurs Knill. "However, his drive and determination remain his most crucial attributes."

Balogun required a similar mindset during his time at Middlesbrough. He encountered difficulties in adjusting to the physical challenges of the Championship and only managed to start nine out of 21 matches after joining in January 2022.

Knill explains, "These players transition from U21s football to loan spells and anticipate playing every game, but the reality is quite different, especially in the Championship. It is an incredibly demanding league."

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Folarin Balogun showcases his skills while on loan at Middlesbrough.

"It's the intense routine of playing on Saturdays and Tuesdays. There's little time for training. As coaches, there's no room for teaching, as the focus is on playing, recovering, preparing, and then playing once more. It all happens rapidly."

Afterward, Balogun sought assistance from Isaksson-Hurst, marking their initial collaboration. They organized a rigorous individual training regimen in preparation for the upcoming season.

"It served as his call to action, in a sense, prompting him to ask himself, 'what steps can I take to ensure a more successful loan in the future?'" explains Isaksson-Hurst.

"He belongs to this emerging generation of ambitious young players who possess an insatiable desire to reach their full potential.

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"They wholeheartedly embrace the concept of incremental improvements, recognizing that the most successful individuals strive for more rather than becoming complacent or content with their current achievements. Instead, they relentlessly strive to push the boundaries of their abilities."

Balogun's commitment to self-improvement was demonstrated by his consistent attendance in sessions with Isaksson-Hurst even during his time at Reims. In addition, he recently enrolled in another intensive program this summer.

"He traveled to the USA following the conclusion of the season in France to participate in the national team camp and compete in their matches. Following a week of rest, he promptly returned here to collaborate with me," reveals Isaksson-Hurst.

"Instead of opting for another week off, he expressed his eagerness to immediately dive back in and lay the groundwork for the upcoming season. This not only exemplifies his mindset but also underscores his relentless drive to constantly improve. Such determination will set him apart from his counterparts."

Working alongside Balogun for the past year has provided Isaksson-Hurst with an unparalleled opportunity to witness his remarkable progress. During this time, Balogun has made significant strides, taking a monumental leap forward in his development.

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Folarin Balogun has made 10 senior appearances for boyhood club Arsenal

"He's incredibly sharp now," he remarks. "He was already sharp, but you can clearly observe that after a full season of competing in top-tier men's football, he has become even sharper, a tad more precise, and perhaps even more driven. Without a doubt, his progress is evident."

The progress becomes even more evident when reviewing his time at Middlesbrough, as the coaching staff at the club concluded that, despite his skill, Balogun was not physically prepared to assume the role of a No 9.

According to Knill, there were numerous discussions regarding this matter. "He viewed himself as a No 9, but I believed he lacked the necessary physical strength for effective hold-up play against the defenders he faced. However, the concept was present. We were confident that with age and physical growth, he would acquire those attributes, as he already possessed a keen sense of movement and spatial awareness. He grasped the position well."

Isaksson-Hurst describes him as one of the most thrilling young number 9s in world football currently.

Knill, on the other hand, has a clear answer.

"Middlesbrough proved to be a significant learning experience for him, and he has subsequently excelled in his second loan period," he comments. "From my perspective, he seems now fully prepared for the Premier League. Undoubtedly, he has a strong desire for game time. Perhaps another loan arrangement could be considered. However, I strongly believe releasing him would not be a wise decision."