Balogun inspired by Saka's achievements with Arsenal first team
Published: March 26, 2023
On-loan Gunner Folarin Balogun, has admitted that he has been inspired by the impressive performances of Bukayo Saka at Arsenal this season.
Saka, who was teammates with Balogun at the Arsenal Academy, has been one of the best players for the Premier League table toppers, scoring 12 goals and registering 10 assists in 28 league games.
The 21-year-old Balogun is enjoying a great spell with Stade de Reims in Ligue 1 this season, scoring 17 goals and is in a good position to win the Golden Boot and Young Player of the Year awards.
In an interview with the official website of the French Ligue 1, Balogun was asked whether he was keeping an eye on the Gunners this season.
The Hale End Academy graduate responded : "Yeah, I mean, I can't not really. Every time I turn on my phone and I see their scores, and I just see some of my friends, obviously I still speak with them, and yeah, I'm buzzing for them.
"A lot of them have worked so hard, and I've seen it over pre-season. They deserve it, to be where they are. I just hope they can bring it over the line.
"I've grown up with Bukayo [Saka], especially, since maybe the age of 13s, 14s, and to see what he has achieved in the first team, I take inspiration from that."
Like his international future, Balogun is also uncertain about what the future holds for him at the Emirates Stadium.
Several European clubs are keeping tabs on the Anglo-American-Nigerian center forward, including teams in the Bundesliga, Serie A, La Liga, Ligue 1 and Premier League, with a view to a summer swoop.
Balogun withdrew from the England U21 squad last week, citing injury, and will be hoping he is fit enough for Reims' next league game against Nantes at the Stade de la Beaujoire - Louis Fonteneau on April 2.
Abdulkareem Abdulhamid
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
- Transfer guru confirms Man Utd interest in ex-Super Eagles invitee with release clause of N104b
- 'Felt this could have been my season' - Chelsea midfielder Chukwuemeka reflects on injury woes
- Super Eagles winger Chukwueze gets vote of confidence from former AC Milan goalkeeper
- Morak FC chief backs Golden Eaglets to qualify for World Cup despite 2-0 loss to his team
- Chelsea ready to use Lukaku plus a young player as makeweight in their efforts to sign Osimhen
- Norwich mulling over move for Charlton's German-Nigerian RB after impressing in trial game v Chelsea youth
- 'Has been amazing' - Calvin Bassey lauds Marco Silva after Fulham's 10th clean sheet of the season
- U18 PL: John Terry and Cole Palmer in attendance as five Nigerians feature for Chelsea in loss to Norwich
- Awoniyi makes his first appearance in 55 days as Nottingham Forest claim huge win v Sheffield United
- U18 PL: Obi-Martin, Olusesi and Ajayi on target as Tottenham beat local rivals Arsenal
Football News 24/7
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football