Recruited to make people forget Hugo Ekitike, who left for Paris Saint-Germain, Falorin Balogun hits Reims. Very high level and unexpected performances which make Arsenal happy. But not only.
By losing Hugo Ekitike, who left for Paris Saint-Germain after a successful exercise, Reims supporters thought they were going through a difficult season. Almost halfway, it is clear that their concern quickly dissipated.
Despite the dismissal of Oscar Garcia, the Champagne club, taken over by William Still, is doing well and is in 10th place in Ligue 1 with now 8 consecutive games without defeat. A sparkling form allowed thanks to a player: Falorin Balogun (21 years old).
A great goalscorer
Illustrious unknown to the general public, the striker from New York has already exceeded all expectations. While his 2021-2022 exercise on loan Middlesbrough was completely anonymous with only 3 goals in 22 outings, the English striker is a hit in Champagne. After only 16 games, he already has a record of 10 goals and 2 assists in the league. Only Kylian Mbapp (13) and Neymar (11) do better while Terem Moffi and Alexandre Lacazette find their height.
After Olympique de Marseille, Clermont, Strasbourg, Angers, Lens, Troyes, Auxerre and Nantes, the Briton has added Rennes to his list. Facing the Bretons (3-1), Thursday, Balogun offered his first career double in a meeting where he displayed all his palette: balance on the volley which opens the scoring, opportunism on his second achievement at the end game, sharp deep runs, protection of the ball, smart discounts… A complete 9 as the coaches love.
Team USA gets excited
Not 9/10, man of the match and voted player of the 16th day of Ligue 1 by the editorial staff of Maxifoot, the Rmois makes the happiness of the supporters of Reims but also that of those of Arsenal. Indeed, his performances remain scrutinized by the leaders of the Gunners, who had the hollow nose by sending him to harden the leather on the side of Auguste Delaune, where his successive coaches do not hesitate to surround him with very lively players ( Flips, Ito, Zeneli) to allow it to shine. And give Mikel Arteta ideas for the future.
Also, its closure as surprising as it is unexpected at this level could lead to a battle between England and the United States. Currently with the English Hopes (7 goals in 13 selections), Balogun is asked by the American federation to be one of the spearheads of Team USA for the 2026 World Cup, disputed on the other side of the Atlantic. An interest that could probably push Gareth Southgate to look into his case in the near future. Much closer than expected.
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