Middlesbrough manager Chris Wilder has said Arsenal loan star Folarin Balogun has learnt an important lesson after his first game against Millwall at the Den.
Speaking to the Athletic, the Boro manager claimed that the England U-21 international dealt with the occasion well, with Millwall’s home ground noted for being a tough place for young players to play at.
As per the report, Balogun was targeted by Millwall supporters with boos and insults after the striker attempted to win a penalty early in the opening half, yet the striker responded well as Middlesbrough held on to a 0-0 draw.
Balogun scored his first goal for the Championship club earlier in the month, and with the forward featuring heavily for Middlesbrough since joining on loan, Wilder is clearly a fan of the Arsenal youngster, who learnt an important lesson at the Den according to the manager.
Wilder said: “It isn’t the Emirates where it’s open. It’s intimidating, it’s on top of you. Supporters get behind their own players and do what they need to do to opposition players. You’ve got to take it and give it out in equal terms.
The Boro boss added. “It’s great for Flo. He got booted a couple of times early on, which I’ve got no issue with. It’s a physical, contact game and I thought his reaction was really good. He and Connolly were really bright, especially in the first half with their movement. It’s an experience that won’t do him any harm at all.”
Balogun experience at Millwall for Middlesbrough will be a big lesson
The Den is noted in the Championship as one of the most hostile grounds for visiting clubs to play at, and although Balogun was unable to get on the scoresheet, the Middlesbrough striker caused Millwall problems and showed his promise.
Arsenal have big plans in store for Balogun, and whilst the forward will be annoyed with few goals he has scored so far for Middlesbrough, his performance against Millwall will be a huge lesson for his development this season.
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