Thierry Henry’s verdict on Arsenal loanee after strong start to French League

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry is expecting big things from in-form Folarin Balogun after the youngster wasted little time in adapting to the French League.

The 21-year-old has scored five goals in his first seven games for Reims in France, a huge statement of intent after deciding to take a challenge abroad.

Last season the young English striker spent the second half of the campaign at Middlesbrough where he showed signs of growth and a developing mental strength.

That development has continued in France and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry is expecting him to continue his fine form and develop into a world beater.

Henry told Prime Video Sport France: “Normally players are loaned either to another Premier League side or in the Championship.

“He’s a very English-style player who likes to run down the channels but he was missing something, which was his finishing.

“He’s now starting to score goals regularly and I’m happy for that – happy he has gone abroad.”

He added: “It’s especially so considering he is a Londoner, in general Londoners struggle to leave London.

“When I heard he was coming to France, it made me think he has a refreshing mindset.”

At Middlesborough Folarin Balogun scored three goals from 18 games and was wanted by another Championship side before agreeing a deal with his agent to  go abroad and test his mettle.

The success of players like Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham in Germany has brought a fresh change of mindset and seen players like Callum Hudson-Odoi and Folarin Balogun continue seek opportunities beyond their comfort zone.