Folarin Balogun has said Alexandre Lacazette has been an inspiration to him during his time at Arsenal as the two strikers prepare to face each other on Friday.
Folarin Balogun speaking out, in comments posted via Monaco’s official online website, as the Principality side looks to cause Lyon more distress following their horrific start to the Ligue 1 season.
Alexandre Lacazette is one of the best goalscorers in the French top flight this season. He scored six times. Only two players have managed to score more often.
And the challenge for Les Gones is that their other players have scored 8 more goals. They are now at the back of the table, having lost nine of their first 15 games.
And Monaco expects to make it 10 in 16 on Friday. The match gives Balogun the chance to reunite with his former Arsenal teammate Lacazette.
And before the game, Balogun explained the influence Lacazette has had on his career so far.
“I’m pleased to see him again on Friday because he gave me recommendations when we were at Arsenal and I was still a young player,” he said, according to the club’s official website.
“Last season we talked a lot when we met. He has a lot of experience. He is a clinical striker in front of goal, an intelligent finisher. He is also capable of occupying the area and uniting with his teammates. I encouraged him through his character.
Honestly, Lacazette has been remarkable in front of goal since arriving from Arsenal. He has scored 33 league goals so far, adding 27 last season.
The Gunners, however, made the right decision by letting him go. Unfortunately, the club has never noticed these types of goals affecting their time in the Emirates. He has never scored more than 14 league goals in a single campaign.
The most attractive might be Balogun. He seemed to arrive at the time for Mikel Arteta. And, of course, he didn’t seem in a position to play a replacement role in North London.
So there will be a lot of eyes on his form after crossing the English Channel.