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Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun reveals how his game has improved during Middlesbrough loan


Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun has been discussing how his game has improved since he joined Middlesbrough.

Balogun had made just 10 senior appearances for Arsenal during his career to date, but was then loaned to Boro in January to garner some much-needed experience.

The Englishman has since had to fight for his spot in Middlesbrough’s front-two, but has already made 15 appearances for the Teesside outfit.

In said games, Balogun has scored two and assisted two.

How Balogun’s game has improved

Now, after spending a few months out on loan, Balogun has detailed how his game has improved.

The young forward stated that his game has become a lot more mature due to the higher level he is playing at: “My game's definitely become a lot more mature.

“Playing Under-23s I could get away with things sometimes. Transitioning to men's football I've noticed you need to play with your head a bit more and know when to do certain things. My game's come on but I know there's still a lot more I can do to improve.

“The biggest thing for me is it means a bit more. It means more the higher you go up. Losing the ball now gives the opposition a chance to score, a chance to do something with the ball that can harm you. There's more pressure on it and with that pressure you need to be smarter not to be in that situation.

“It's the environment. There's no hiding, especially at Middlesbrough, we're trying to get promoted. That's the aim of the club. I've come in and had to adapt to it. It's a good pressure to be around. It's not something I shy away from.”

Balogun would also speak out on Arsenal’s current form:

“Any single player would love to be in a side playing well,” he said of his parent club.

“It makes your job easier. I'm looking at them but also concentrating on what I need to do to get into the team and add my qualities. From the outside looking in it's very good.”

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Josh Barker

Josh Barker

Middlesbrough fan from the North East of England. @JoshBarker979 on Twitter.


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