Talented Nigeria-eligible striker reveals the one thing that got him into Arsenal's first team

Promising Nigeria-eligible striker Folarin Balogun has revealed that he forced his way into Arsenal's first team because of his reputation as a prolific striker for the youth teams.

Few months after ending speculation about his future by inking a new long-term contract with the Gunners, he was promoted to the first team on a permanent basis, assigned the number 26 shirt, and moved into the changing room.

However, the offensive position at Arsenal is a competitive one so there is still no guaranteed place for Balogun in the starting line-up and sometimes he doesn't even make the matchday squad.

The likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Martinelli are standing in the way of Balogun getting games for the first team.

With six goals in his last four matches for the Gunners U23s in the Premier League 2, it has led to calls for manager Mikel Arteta to hand more playing time to Balogun.

Speaking to Arsenal Player this week, Balogun said : "I think what got me here from the youth team was my ability to score goals.

"I know this is a strength of mine - stretching the defence, taking people on - so I know that I am going to have to carry on if I want to make an impact in the first team as well."

The Hale End graduate added : "First it was a bit of a shock, obviously you are expecting to play for the U23s, over time you build your reputation, this is life.

"In the first team it is the same thing, you've got to eventually get to a place where you are starting week in, week out so I know this wasn't going to come easy so just got to keep your head down and work hard really."

So far this season, Balogun has made three appearances for Arsenal's first team, including a Premier League debut on the opening night of the season at Brentford.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com