Brighton's Balogun Names The Toughest Striker He Has Faced In The Premier League

Published: May 05, 2019

Super Eagles of Nigeria and Brighton & Hoves defender Leon Balogun has declared Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette as the most dangerous striker that he has had to play against as player of Brighton.

Balogun spoke exclusively to allnigeriasoccer.com on the biggest attacking threat that he has faced this season.

The Seagulls whose English Premier League stay was confirmed on Saturday when fellow relegation strugglers Cardiff City lost 3-2 to Crystal Palace will face Arsenal at 4.30pm Nigerian time on Sunday evening.

"Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette is the toughest striker that I have played against because he is such a fast player who is always a yard ahead of you the defender,'' Balogun said.

''He will be in an offside position and then makes a step back to run onside and at your back, " Balogun told All Nigeria.

"Lacazette was tough to mark. I faced him last year. The only other striker that came close for me was Burnley's Ashley Barnes. He was a pain but I dealt with him.''

Speaking on not getting regular playing time and his move from the German Bundesliga, Balogun opined that he is undeterred and also feels at home in England.

"Not playing regularly is something I am used to even at my previous clubs but it doesn't affect my focus. I haven't had an injury this long but its getting much better. I know my body, its just a structural thing now.

"My settling in England was not difficult. I've got a family in London. Brighton is not in London but I equally love it here.

My house is just two minutes away from the sea," Balogun, who is expected to make Nigeria's provisional squad list for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations despite his limited playing time, stressed.

Izuchukwu Okosi