Folarin Balogun: On-loan Arsenal star outscoring Messi and Lacazette in Ligue 1

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:46 CDT
• 3 min read

When Folarin Balogun left Arsenal this summer on loan for Ligue 1 side Reims, big things were hoped from the young forward.

After just six matches of the season, though, the 21-year-old has outstripped expectations in Champagne, scoring five goals in as many outings for his new club.

He presently stands joint third in the scoring charts in Le Championnat, training only PSG duo Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, who have seven goals apiece. Both have played more minutes than the Arsenal youngster, who is two goals clear of the third member of the Parisians’ superstar offensive line, Lionel Messi.

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Meanwhile, Alexandre Lacazette, who left Arsenal to sign for Lyon in the summer, is also on three goals.

Balogun’s achievements should not be underplayed. Reims are a side that has been crying out for cutting edge for months. Last season, they finished 12th in the standings with the 14th best attack in Ligue 1. This season, they find themselves in an identical position but with the seventh-strongest attack. Much of this has been thanks to the young Englishman.

Balogun’s overall contribution impressing Reims

His strike during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Lens typified his confidence. After a burst from Kamory Doumbia through the centre of the park, Balogun deceived the goalkeeper, taking a touch round him before planting the ball into the empty net.

His overall performance, though, was eye catching.

“Since he arrived, ‘Balo’ has made a habit of always being present and always making himself available to the ball carrier,” Reims captain Yunis Abdelhamid explained. “He’s comfortable in the game, moves a lot and is constantly asking for the ball with his back to goal. He works hard, alternates his positions. He also combines well with those around him, especially Junya Ito. Thanks to their intelligence, we’re much stronger offensive. We hurt our opponents more and we pay better.”

Balogun has become the first Reims player to score at least five goals in his first six Ligue 1 appearances since Carlos Bianchi back in 1973. Arsenal’s faith in the young forward is being justified with such blistering loan performance.