Folarin Balogun appears to be the next big thing in the Gunners ranks.
The 18-year-old netted a hat-trick on Monday evening as Arsenal’s U23 side began their campaign with a 3-1 win over Blackburn Rovers.
All three of Balogun’s goals were from the penalty spot, however, he did win two of the spot-kicks himself.
And plenty of Gunners supporters were quick to react on social media to Balogun’s impressive performance, with some calling for a first-team opportunity.
Twitter: @ArsenalAcademy What a baller!
(@TheAFCFranco86)
Twitter: @ArsenalAcademy Balogun is incredible
(@Ellen73740032)
Twitter: @ArsenalAcademy Balogun got another hat trick, next young kid to break through (@TonyChapman1)
Twitter: @ArsenalAcademy @PainInThArsenal Balogun is a monster
(@AFCJo_)
Twitter: @ArsenalAcademy Balogun is unreal, needs a run out in the first team (@paddymc101)
Twitter: @PatrickTimmons1 any player hitting those numbers at youth level is wasting their time and needs to be challenged against senior pro’s (@myfootballtrial)
Read Arsenal verdict
At just 18, Balogun has made quite the impact in the club’s U23 side. The forward will more than likely remain in the U23 squad for the upcoming season, however, if he continues to impress, Unai Emery may well be tempted to throw him a first-team opportunity.
That chance could come in the Gunners’ EFL Cup and FA Cup campaigns over the coming months. Eddie Nketiah burst onto the scene back in 2017 with an impressive League Cup display against Norwich, so Balogun will be looking to follow in his footsteps if he continues his impressive form in the academy.
