Arsenal loanee top-scoring player born in 21st century in Europe's top 5 leagues this season

Folarin Balogun's fine start to life in the French topflight continued as he found the back of the net again for Reims.

The Arsenal loanee ended his two-game goal drought in Stade de Reims' 2-2 draw with Troyes on Sunday afternoon.

The Hale End Academy graduate started up front alongside Junya Ito in a 3-4-1-2 formation that enabled him to cause havoc on the counter.

Despite playing second fiddle in the game, Reims found themselves in front in the 12th minute.

The Super Eagles-eligible forward found the back of the net, after combining well with his strike partner Junya Ito.

In doing so, the 2001-born Balogun took his tally for the season to six goals, more than any other player born in the 21st century among the European Top 5 leagues in 2022-2023.

Les rouges et blancs went into the tunnel at halftime with a 1-0 lead but six minutes after the restart, the hosts were back on level terms through Wilson Odobert.

Reims' restored their one-goal cushion through Junya Ito at minute 54 when he converted Alexis Flips' well placed pass .

In the 64th minute, Balogun was subbed off for Martin Adeline.

Reims thought they had secured their second league win of the season, but a late goal from Jackson Porozo ensured it didn't happen.

In the provisional standings of the French Ligue 1, Reims are sitting in 17th place with seven points from nine games

Toyosi Afolayan

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