Middlesbrough put Derby County to the sword on Saturday afternoon as Chris Wilder’s side easily pulled apart Wayne Rooney’s brave outfit. Arsenal ace Folarin Balogun started for Boro, nabbing a late assist in the 4-1 win.
Balogun, 20, joined Boro on loan until the end of the season in the January window – having only played five times in all competitions in the first half of the campaign. But he has made a promising start at the Riverside.
The four-time England Under-21 international has made five substitute appearances before Saturday’s win over Derby – earning his first start. He was excellent for Boro, and while he did not score, he did create another.
Lee Buchanan scored an own goal and while Derby equalised, Aaron Connolly and Matt Crooks got goals just before half-time – putting Boro in the driving seat. Balogun got his assist late in the second 45.
With a defender in between him and the goal, Balogun dragged it back and flicked it to substitute Duncan Watmore – who scored. He posted a video of his assist on Instagram, as he continues to catch the eye on Teesside.
Lokonga reacts to Balogun assist: Arsenal star impressing on loan
Arsenal will need a striker in the summer and given this was Balogun’s first start for Boro, he has made a solid start. A couple of assists, helping Wilder’s men in their push for Championship promotion to the Premier League.
Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are likely to go in the summer with their contracts up – while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has joined Barcelona. Balogun needs to shine, to have a chance of replacing them.
His assist could spark the start of a run of form, and a run of starts at Boro. Arsenal star Albert Sambi Lokonga was impressed, posting a three-word comment on Balogun’s Instagram.
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