It took Folarin Balogun just 37 seconds to open his senior account after stepping off the bench against Molde on Thursday.
The young forward underlined his predatory instincts with an accomplished finish – and now he says he will keep working for more opportunities as new contracts is on the books for the Nigerian prodigy.
“I’m feeling really happy, it shows that all the hard work I’ve put in over the years is just starting to pay off,” Balogun told Arsenal.com. “It’s important that I keep working hard to enjoy more moments like this.
“I didn’t think that particular [break for the goal] was going to be my chance, but I always try to stay ready and I’m happy that on this occasion it paid off.
“It’s been good [to be involved], it’s nice to see the boss showing faith in me. It feels like this is good experience for me, I just need to keep on learning, keep on adding to my game and I’m happy that I could contribute today.”
The young forward was in irrepressible form against Molde on Thursday night and capped a fine performance with a goal.
Arteta says it is the result of a mind that is eager to improve.
“He’s made some big steps in the last month or so,” the manager said. “He’s shown what he can do. Again, he’s another player that wants to take you on all the time, he’s very vertical, he’s a great player when he runs in behind and he’s very unpredictable. I really like these types of players to play in wide positions.
“Defensively, there are things that he needs to do better and he will improve in that but he’s a much more mature player. He showed a great attitude, in my opinion, to say that he didn’t want to leave on loan because he believes that he’s got a chance to play for this football club. He’s showing that he wants to take that direction. He’s performing in the right way.
“We’re doing a lot of work with him. He’s so willing. He’s asking for more all the time. He wants individual meetings. He wants to work on the pitch in certain aspects in which we think he can improve.
“He’s training really well, he’s developing as well. He had a click and we needed that click. Now it’s up to him but I must say that his last performances have been really good.”
The young prospect is yet to declare his national preference as he is eligible to play for Super Eagles of Nigeria through his parent and England national team in the footsteps of Bukayo Saka.
