Balogun, what is behind one of the goals of the year

“Agent of chaos” vs “opportunistic harvester”: what do you think of Dembélé’s match? Video credit: Eurosport

It is a moment that will go down in history in this Ligue 1 season where extraordinary goals were almost exclusively reserved for Ousmane Dembélé. Folarin Balogun brilliantly doubled the lead for Monaco in a crucial match against Marseille last Sunday (2-1). A goal that is hard to forget nearly a week later, as ASM seeks to confirm their excellent form against Paris FC.

High intensity race, resistance to CJ Egan-Riley’s comeback, and a finishing touch of great class that lobbed Geronimo Rulli and all the spectators on their couches: there was just admiration. “Goal of the season? I don’t know but I told him it was one of the most beautiful goals I’ve seen in my career,” praised Lamine Camara in the mixed zone after the match. “We have to thank Kevin (Mirallas) who communicates a lot and he had talked to him about this move. But the goal is just magnificent,” added Maghnes Akliouche.

It is his teammates who best summed up what lies behind this goal. There is the obvious, the surge in confidence manifested by his six consecutive matches scoring in Ligue 1, a streak almost identical to that of ASM (7 straight wins). And the behind-the-scenes work by Sebastien Pocognoli’s staff, which bore fruit after very tough months under Adi Hütter.

Balogun pointed out back in March the contribution of Mirallas and his experience as a former Belgian international striker: “He clearly helped me and reminded me to always be focused on the next opportunity.” His very good connection with Pocognoli arrived on October 11 from Union Saint-Gilloise, is no secret to anyone. The American international, who scored one goal with Hütter at the start of the season, netted the first under Pocognoli, a nice touch. And 14 more since then.

The Gunner-trained player quickly became the top option up front for the young coach. Gradually evolving into a more complete striker. “We work a lot on his feet, his lay-offs,” explained his coach on Ligue 1 + before Monaco – Marseille. “At the beginning there were a lot of balls going into the stands. Now he attacks that last support better in relation to the ball.”

More technically adept, more accurate, Balogun is still a formidable asset in depth but is now a reliable option with his back to goal and between the lines, as was particularly evident in his near-exploit against PSG in the Champions League. “I have exceptional players around me, the coach manages to create a lot of cohesion. I just try to improve, to do my best,” modestly admitted the player who, if he scores on Friday, will equal Neymar’s 7 consecutive goals in Ligue 1 between May and August 2022. It’s the return of champagne Balogun, reminiscent of Reims, and has finally launched his adventure in Monaco.