The Monaco Mystery 2023/24 Scout Report: How Folarin Balogun’s Goals Have Disappeared — And How To Bring Them Back!

One player who was considered a surprise package last season was forward Folarin Balogun.

A product of the Arsenal academy, Balogun enjoyed a successful loan spell at Ligue 1 side Reims, scoring 21 goals in 37 appearances.

Prior to this goal rush, Balogun’s only other consistent taste of senior football came in a loan spell at EFL Championship side, Middlesbrough where he netted just three goals in 18 games.

His form at Reims caught the attention of numerous clubs, and Monaco eventually secured his signature for a reported initial fee of £25.7 million.

However, since moving south to the Principality, Balogun has not enjoyed the same rich vein of form.

The former Gunner has so far netted only four league goals in 15 appearances.

It begs the question of whether the forward is a one-season wonder or whether a change of tact may be needed to get him back firing.

In this tactical analysis and scout report, we will assess Balogun’s performances in front of goal this campaign compared to last.

We will also provide a comparative analysis of the tactics and personnel at Reims and Monaco to determine if there is scope for changes at Stade Louis II in order to get the best out of the forward.

Less opportunities this campaign

During his loan spell at Reims, Balogun was scoring goals for fun last season.

Only three other players scored more in France’s top flight than the USA international.

The line graph shows that it has taken Balogun 13 game weeks of the season to reach his current goal tally.

He did, however, not feature in the first three league games for his new side, but nevertheless, under Will Still last season, Balogun took only five league games to achieve the same goal tally.