Folarin Balogun, an Arsenal loanee, has surpassed Kylian Mbappe as the leading scorer in Ligue 1 thanks to an unbelievable hat-trick.
Balogun is loving life at Reims (Image: Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
The England U21 striker was sent on loan to Reims at the start of the season in a bid to get some much needed first team minutes. And he has proven to be a huge star for the French side.
His side’s home match against Lorient began in disastrous fashion, with the visitors roaring into a two goal lead in the first half. However, Balogun, almost single handedly, turned the game around.
On the stroke of half time, Balogun notched home his 12th goal of the campaign from the penalty spot to halve the deficit. His team-mate Kamory Doumbia levelled the contest five minutes into the second half, giving the Englishman the perfect platform to cause even more havoc.
Balogun showed his predatory striking skills when he converted at the near post to give his side the lead, before he completed his hat-trick with an unbelievable first time volley.
Mbappe has fallen below Balogun in the race for the golden boot
His current tally stands at a very impressive 14 goals for the campaign. That is more than Mbappe, Lionel Messi, and Neymar this season.
Fortunately for the north Londoners, Balogun is only on loan at Reims until the end of the season. While Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus have both made vital contributions this season, neither striker has scored as many as Balogun.
Balogun has only made two Premier League appearances for Arsenal
William Saliba’s excellent loan spells with Saint Etienne, Nice, and Marseille have also proved the French league is a brilliant division for young talent to develop. The French central defender has been pivotal at the heart of the Gunners defence this season.
If he is given an opportunity and both player and manager are willing to give it another go, Balogun could very well have the same effect for Mikel Arteta’s side next season.
src: https://www.dailystar.co.uk/
