Folarin Balogun is a 21-year-old striker born in New York, but naturalised in England, and part of the Under-21 squad. His current club is Arsenal, but he plays on loan at Stade de Reims, after having caught the eye playing in the English Championship on loan at Middlesbrough last season.
His start to the season has been outstanding, having been involved in 7 goals (6 goals and 1 assist) in 11 games played. Despite having great numbers, he is not a true target '9', fitting better in a 2 striker system or playing like a Left Winger.
The first thing everyone can notice about his style of play is his electrifying pace. It allows him to be really dangerous in open spaces, having scored most of his goals by attacking space vertically behind the opponent's high line and finding optimal one-on-one situations against the goalkeeper. His great stride has a lot to do there, allowing him to change his pass or direction explosively, giving him a great ability to beat his man off the dribble.
His technical skills are also above average for a 21-year-old. His good vision and ability to filter passes explains why he can also play on the left flank, finding strikers between the lines. In addition, his one-touch passing is remarkable, showing quick thinking in pressing situations to open up defences.
In terms of finishing, Folarin has improved a lot over the last two seasons. His tactical intelligence and mobility have always allowed him to get into optimal positions inside the penalty area, but his finishing was said to be one of his weakest aspects. Folarin has worked hard to improve his finishing, and he is getting better with both his feet and headers, living up to the expectations regarding his xG values. One of his most mastered definitions is quality curling shots.
Balogun is an active player in the off-the-ball phase, pressing opponents, avoiding passing lanes and showing signs of toughness. In fact, he has one of the highest interception values in French Ligue 1 for an attacker. His eccentricity and bravery are two clear hallmarks of his game, always trying impressive things and showing great personality.
One aspect to work on to develop his potential could be his strength levels. This could allow him to give power to his runs and allow him to use his body better in protecting the ball and holding up the play, this being important in the future to be able to perform as a complete striker.
Despite playing incredibly well in the English Championship last season, his move to France allows him to perform at an outrageous level. Surely Arsenal would be keeping a close eye on him and will have something to say about his future situation.
Click here to see full scouting report
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His start to the season has been outstanding, having been involved in 7 goals (6 goals and 1 assist) in 11 games played. Despite having great numbers, he is not a true target '9', fitting better in a 2 striker system or playing like a Left Winger.
The first thing everyone can notice about his style of play is his electrifying pace. It allows him to be really dangerous in open spaces, having scored most of his goals by attacking space vertically behind the opponent's high line and finding optimal one-on-one situations against the goalkeeper. His great stride has a lot to do there, allowing him to change his pass or direction explosively, giving him a great ability to beat his man off the dribble.
His technical skills are also above average for a 21-year-old. His good vision and ability to filter passes explains why he can also play on the left flank, finding strikers between the lines. In addition, his one-touch passing is remarkable, showing quick thinking in pressing situations to open up defences.
In terms of finishing, Folarin has improved a lot over the last two seasons. His tactical intelligence and mobility have always allowed him to get into optimal positions inside the penalty area, but his finishing was said to be one of his weakest aspects. Folarin has worked hard to improve his finishing, and he is getting better with both his feet and headers, living up to the expectations regarding his xG values. One of his most mastered definitions is quality curling shots.
Balogun is an active player in the off-the-ball phase, pressing opponents, avoiding passing lanes and showing signs of toughness. In fact, he has one of the highest interception values in French Ligue 1 for an attacker. His eccentricity and bravery are two clear hallmarks of his game, always trying impressive things and showing great personality.
One aspect to work on to develop his potential could be his strength levels. This could allow him to give power to his runs and allow him to use his body better in protecting the ball and holding up the play, this being important in the future to be able to perform as a complete striker.
Despite playing incredibly well in the English Championship last season, his move to France allows him to perform at an outrageous level. Surely Arsenal would be keeping a close eye on him and will have something to say about his future situation.
Click here to see full scouting report
Are you interested to know more about TSA? Schedule a demo with our team : click here