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Folarin Balogun says he was flattered by Martin Keown comparing him to Ian Wright as he studied the Arsenal legend in the earlier stages of his career.
Gunners academy product Balogun continues to shine at youth level for club and country, netting his first goal for England’s Under-21s in a 3-1 win over Czech Republic on Thursday.
The 20-year-old has also been prolific for Arsenal’s development side, with eight goals in 10 Premier League 2 games for the Under-23s this season.
But his fine form hasn’t translated into regular minutes for the senior team, despite impressing in the Europa League last season.
Balogun’s goal against Dundalk last term sparked comparisons with Wright from former Arsenal defender Martin Keown, which pleased the striker.
‘It was obviously nice to be compared to a club legend by Martin,’ Balogun said after his recent goal for England’s Under-21s.
‘What Ian’s done for Arsenal is amazing, what he’s done in his career is amazing.
‘Growing up I looked at Ian Wright, looked at his game, taken things from his game. I’ve just got to carve my own name out like he did.’
The highly-rated striker penned a four-year deal with Arsenal back in April to put an end to speculation over his future, and he was said to have been given assurances by Mikel Arteta over his role in the first team at the time.
However, Balogun has made just three senior appearances for the Gunners this season, with two of those in the Premier League defeats to Brentford and Chelsea at the start of the campaign.
Although he has insisted his priority is to play more first-team football, Arteta on the other hand has been clear that the club have a ‘really clear project’ with Balogun
‘We will…
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Source : metro
