Folarin Balogun was one of the most targeted strikers in the summer transfer window. Arsenal sold their academy product for a good price following his breakthrough season on loan at Reims. Balogun scored 21 goals in Ligue 1 2022-23 and this caught the eye of many clubs. Monaco came in to sign the player and spent €30 million on the player. This deal could rise to €40 million with add-ons.
Monaco’s attacker is scoring goals for his new club but not at a pace like he did for Reims. Balogun has not found consistency for Monaco and other players have scored more goals for the team. The club sits third in the league table and is already six points behind the league leaders. The French league will have a winter break and play three matches before this break starts. Here is a look at what the team can expect from their forward and how he has delivered in the first 11 games for Monaco.
Second season in France
This is Balogun’s second season in the Ligue 1. The above two pizza chart shows the percentile rank of the centre-forward in comparison to other players in the same position according to their percentile rank. The stats are similar to last season, but Balogun attempted more shots in the last season compared to this one.
End Product
Folarin Balogun has already netted four goals for his side in the league this season. He could have added another two but two penalty misses have not allowed the player to do so. Last season, Balogun scored 15 times from open play and six from the spot. Averaging 2.75 shots per 90 minutes, Balogun has managed to hit the target 41% time this season. In the 2022-23 campaign, the average number of shots was 3.6 per 90 minutes and 43% of these were on target. The xG per shot was also much better last season. Balogun is just missing that spark and will look to build his confidence in the remainder of the season.
Folarin Balogun also has an eye for a key pass. Last season, he ended with two assists and already has one to his name in the current one. Most of the shot assists are shot passes and cut-backs looking for runners in and around the box. Balogun will hope that his Monaco teammates convert more such chances.
The US international also can draw fouls in crucial attacking areas. This led to three penalty wins in the 2022-23 season. Balogun likes to take on defenders and his skill set could be crucial for Monaco in their hunt for the domestic title.
Folarin Balogun needs to score regularly to find his confidence. The fans and the team have a lot of expectations from their new number 9.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine