Folarin Balogun at Middlesbrough: How’s it gone so far? What issues does he face? What’s next?

Folarin Balogun arrived at Middlesbrough on a temporary spell from Arsenal midway through the January transfer window. 

The 20-year-old netted 13 times in 11 Premier League 2 matches for Arsenal’s U23s before joining the Championship outfit, with Gunners fans believing that Balogun is a special talent. 

Subsequently, there is a level of expectation with the young forward now at the Riverside Stadium, especially with Boro pushing for a play-off spot and eyeing up a return to the Premier League. 

Balogun’s loan stint with the Championship outfit is his first venture away from the Gunners and it remains to be seen how successful his move to Teesside will be.

How’s it gone so far? 

It is certainly too premature to say anything definitive, but the early signs do suggest that he could enjoy a successful loan spell with Boro. 

He has appeared three times from the bench in the Championship thus far, and in his latest second-tier game, he assisted the only goal in the game. 

Balogun was trusted from the very start in Middlesbrough’s FA Cup triumph over Manchester United on Friday evening, with the 20-year-old showing the desire and work rate that sometimes goes missing in younger players tipped for success. 

The young forward’s pace and technical ability was there for all to see against the Premier League giants, in what was a strong performance from Balogun. 

What issues does he face?

Competition for places in Middlesbrough’s front-line is already very high this season. 

Duncan Watmore’s performance against United on Friday means it may be even more difficult for Balogun to see regular minutes in what remains of the season. 

Andraz Sporar seems to be a starter in the eyes of Chris Wilder, with Balogun, Watmore and Aaron Connolly pushing for a spot next to the Slovenian striker. 

Balogun has the ability and knack for scoring goals to regularly start for Boro, it is now about proving that in a competitive Middlesbrough squad. 

What’s next?

It is now about plugging away and making sure that he gets the nod by training at a high level and taking the chance when it is presented to him. 

Balogun has an excellent opportunity to help Boro back to England’s top-tier, something that will bolster his chances of seeing more first-team minutes with Arsenal next season, should that be seen as the next best step. 

This should be a great learning curve for the 20-year-old, especially with the competition he faces.