When Folarin Balogun shows up for his one‑on‑one training sessions, his coach Saul Isaksson‑Hurst has learned to adopt a flexible approach. While a structured program can be laid out, Balogun – a driven, analytical player – often arrives with his own ideas about what to work on.
"He’s incredibly serious and highly motivated," Isaksson‑Hurst told Sky Sports. "Sometimes he’ll walk in and say, ‘I want to focus on this particular aspect.’ He’s not shy about voicing his preferences. We usually discuss it, go back and forth, and adjust the plan accordingly. "He challenges me just as much as I try to challenge him.
It’s a pleasure to work with him because he brings that intensity and mindset every time. You instantly know you’re training with a top‑level talent – the effort is always at 100 percent." This exchange offers a glimpse into the mindset of a player who has taken ownership of his own development. The partnership began after Balogun’s difficult loan spell at Middlesbrough during his teenage years at Arsenal.
In that stint he managed only three goals in 18 Championship appearances, a performance he refused to let define his future. "He wanted more, he wanted to improve," Isaksson‑Hurst explained. "He’s a very goal‑oriented, aspirational type of individual." Their first sessions took place that summer, an intensive block of work in London that concentrated on polishing the attributes of a classic number nine – a poacher with a keen eye for goal. They drilled both‑footed finishing, movement patterns, timing of runs and the subtle nuances of positioning inside the box.
Balogun’s subsequent loan to Stade de Reims proved the merit of that extra attention. In France he struck 22 times in 39 league games, confirming that the additional training had tangible results. Now 25, he continues to book sessions with Isaksson‑Hurst during off‑season periods and whenever his club schedule permits.
His dedication has begun to reap rewards on the biggest stages. After a controversial red card at the World Cup, Balogun still managed to net three goals in the tournament, reminding everyone of his natural finishing ability. Those performances have sparked Premier League interest, with Everton among the clubs linked to a possible return to England – three years after he left Arsenal for Monaco, where he has already recorded 31 goals in 91 appearances. Balogun’s career narrative is marked by bold choices.
He stepped out of his comfort zone by moving to France, first on loan at Reims, and later by switching his international allegiance from England to the United States. "He simply wants to compete at the highest level, on the biggest stage possible," says Isaksson‑Hurst, who has previously coached several elite prospects. A comeback to the Premier League would thrust him back into the spotlight. "I don’t see him struggling under that pressure.
In fact, I think he would thrive. That’s exactly what he seeks – the challenge, the pressure, the chance to prove himself," the coach added.
"That’s why he constantly looks for marginal gains, extra work, and ways to become the best version of himself." Balogun’s form at the World Cup was a continuation of a prolific spell at Monaco, where he ended the season with 11 goals in 14 matches, highlighted by a brace against Paris Saint‑Germain in the Champions League. Yet his journey has not been without setbacks.
Since his £35 million transfer from Arsenal in 2023, he has battled injuries and periods where he struggled to secure a regular starting berth. Nevertheless, history shows he thrives when faced with adversity. Former Arsenal academy staff recall him as a tireless worker, while his time at Middlesbrough left a similar impression on manager Chris Wilder and assistant Alan Knill, who praised Balogun’s mental resilience despite the challenges he faced there. "It’s part of the game," Isaksson‑Hurst notes.
"Those challenges were necessary for his development and, hopefully, will help him become one of the world’s best players." Over the years, the coach has observed a hardening of Balogun’s mentality, describing it as the most striking element of his evolution. "He always possessed raw talent – a natural finisher. But he’s refined that gift, improving his timing, movement, how he arrives in the box and his link‑up play.
Watching him transition from a young prospect to a mature professional, his ambition stands out. He initially reached out because he wanted to do more, and his recent sessions demonstrate an unwavering focus on becoming one of the elite number nines in world football." That mindset has kept him on course even when circumstances have been tough. As a classic striker who thrives inside the penalty area, he offers a profile that is increasingly rare at the highest level.
Everton, like many clubs, are eager for a reliable goal scorer. "Scoring is the hardest thing in football," Isaksson‑Hurst adds.
"Balogun’s ability to finish with both feet and his aerial prowess set him apart. There aren’t many true number nines left; many teams use wingers or attacking midfielders in that role. Flo is a genuine fox in the box – give him a half‑yard and he will punish you. That’s his unique edge." Combined with his relentless ambition, this blend of natural talent and cultivated mentality makes Balogun a dangerous weapon for any team willing to give him the platform.
His story illustrates how a player can shape his own destiny by embracing challenges, seeking extra work, and never losing sight of the goal – both literally and figuratively.