Flo: I’m Gunner make it
ALBANIA U21 V ENGLAND U21
7.45PM
FLO BALOGUN is studying Arsenal’s revival under Mikel Arteta ahead of a bid to break into his first team next season.
The England Under-21 striker is hoping the pressure of playing on loan in Middlesbrough’s promotion campaign will earn a chance at Emirates Stadium.
Balogun, 20, scored for Lee Carsley’s Young Lions against Andorra last week and will lead the line again in the Euro qualifier against Albania in Elbasan tonight.
The prolific Arsenal Under-23 star says he is learning fast after moving into “men’s football” in January and has not given up on a future at Arsenal.
Striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left Arsenal in controversial circumstances in January.
And with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah out of contract at the end of the season, manager Arteta will look to strengthen his attack and may have another look at Balogun.
“It is really exciting to watch Arsenal now,” Balogun said. “Any single player would love to be in a side that is doing well like that.
“I am looking at them and looking at what I can do to get into that team and adding to my qualities.
“At Boro, I think my game has become more mature. At under-23s, I was able to get away with things. In men’s football, you need to play with your head more. I know there is more I can do to improve.
“I would say the biggest thing is that it means a bit more the higher you go up. Lose the ball and you give the opposition a chance to score or harm you. You need to be smarter to not get into that situation.
“It is the environment – there is no hiding. We are trying to get promoted at Middlesbrough. That is the aim of the club. I have had to adapt to that.”