Mikel Arteta is considering a change of position for Folarin Balogun with Arsenal’s Premier League prospect being retrained as a left-sided attacker, as reported by All Nigeria Soccer.
To look at Balogun, you’d think he’s a player perfectly suited to the number nine role.
Physically imposing and a penalty-box menace, the New York-born wonderkid has scored the majority of his 22 goals in 49 Premier League 2 games from a central role.
But Arteta obviously believes Balogun has more to offer in a different position.
All Nigeria Soccer claims the 20-year-old has been used more on the wing during pre-season training.
Arteta eyes new role for Folarin Balogun at Arsenal
It’s safe to assume Arsenal supporters will hope Balogun can adapt to a wider role better than Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang did.
It was a source of constant debate during the first half of last season, with Aubameyang’s ineffective performances on the left leading to plenty of frustration directed at the Arsenal manager.
Balogun, then, will hope to hit the ground running in his new position as he looks to avoid finding himself at the centre of a similar debate.
The academy graduate is expected to play a larger role in the first-team picture next season, having put an end to speculation linking him with Liverpool, Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig while signing a new four-year deal in April.
“(Balogun) has unique qualities as a striker – his speed and the way he holds the ball. He’s a real goal threat and he works tremendously hard,” Arteta said recently.
“He’s a very hungry boy. He wants to do everything and wants to practise more every single day. He will be pushing anybody in our first team to get his spot – and that’s exactly what we want.
“He’s got the chance. Now it’s time for him to prove himself.”
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