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 programme can be laid out in advance, Balogun – a driven, analytical player – often arrives with his own ideas about what he wants to work on. "He takes his preparation very seriously and is incredibly motivated," Isaksson‑Hurst told Sky Sports. "Sometimes he'll walk in and say, 'I want to focus on this specific drill.' He's not shy about voicing his preferences.
We discuss it, we debate, and we adjust the session together." "He challenges me just as much as I try to push him," the coach added. "That's why it's such a pleasure to work with him – he brings intensity and a winning mindset to every drill. You instantly know you're training with a top‑class striker because he gives 100 percent every time." This exchange offers a window into the mind of a footballer who actively shapes his own development.
The partnership began after Balogun endured a tough loan spell at Middlesbrough while still a teenager at Arsenal. During that stint he managed only three goals in 18 Championship appearances, a record that left him determined not to be defined by that setback.
"He wanted more, he wanted to improve," Isaksson‑Hurst explained. "He was very goal‑oriented and ambitious." Their first intensive sessions took place that summer in London, concentrating on the attributes that make a classic number nine – a poacher with two‑footed finishing, intelligent movement, and perfect timing of runs.
The coach worked on his positioning in the box, his ability to strike with both feet, and the subtle nuances of his off‑the‑ball runs. Balogun’s subsequent loan to Stade de Reims proved the payoff of that extra work.
In France he netted 22 goals in 39 games, a striking improvement that highlighted how focused training can translate into real‑world results. At 25, he continues to book sessions with Isaksson‑Hurst during off‑season periods and whenever his club schedule permits, treating each meeting as an opportunity to fine‑tune marginal gains. His dedication has begun to bear fruit on the biggest stages.
After a controversial red card at the World Cup, Balogun still managed to score three goals in the tournament, showcasing his quality under pressure. The performances have sparked renewed Premier League interest, with Everton reportedly keen to bring him back to England three years after his departure from Arsenal for Monaco. In Monaco he has already recorded 31 goals in 91 appearances, confirming his status as a reliable scorer.
Balogun’s career is marked by bold choices. He left the comfort of the English system for a loan in France, later opting to switch his international allegiance from England to the United States. "He wants to compete at the highest level possible, on the biggest stage," said Isaksson‑Hurst, who has worked with several elite players after a stint as an academy coach. A return to the Premier League would thrust him back into the spotlight, but his coach believes the pressure will suit him.
"I don’t see him struggling under that pressure. In fact, he thrives on it. He constantly seeks challenges that push him to become the best striker he can be." Balogun’s recent form at Monaco, where he finished a season with 11 goals in 14 games, was highlighted by a brace against Paris Saint‑Germain in the Champions League.
Yet his journey has not been without obstacles. Since his £35 million move from Arsenal in 2023, he has faced injury setbacks and periods where he struggled to cement a starting place. Nevertheless, his history of overcoming adversity – from his early days at Arsenal’s academy to the mental resilience displayed at Middlesbrough – suggests he can navigate these hurdles.
Former Middlesbrough manager Chris Wilder and assistant Alan Knill both noted Balogun’s mental strength during his loan, despite the challenges he encountered. "It’s part of the game," Isaksson‑Hurst reflected. "Those challenges helped him develop into a player who could one day be among the world’s best." Over several years, the coach has watched Balogun’s mentality harden and evolve. While the striker’s raw talent as a natural finisher was evident from the start, he has refined his timing, movement, and link‑up play.
"From a young man to a mature professional, his ambition has always been evident. He reached out to me because he wanted to do more, and he’s kept that hunger alive," Isaksson‑Hurst said. In recent sessions, the coach observed a level of focus that underscores Balog0n’s desire to be one of the premier number nines in world football. "He’s serious, he’s focused, and he wants to prove he can perform at the highest level," the coach added.
Balogun’s unique profile – a pure striker who thrives inside the penalty area – is increasingly rare in modern football, where many forwards operate as wide or hybrid players. Everton, like many clubs, is eager for a dependable goal‑scorer. "Scoring is the hardest part of the game," Isaksson‑Hurst noted. "Balogun’s ability to finish with both feet and his aerial prowess set him apart." "Most modern number nines are actually converted wingers or midfielders.
Flo is a genuine ‘fox in the box’ who can punish any mistake with a single touch. Give him a half‑yard of space and he will make it count," the coach concluded.
Combined with his relentless ambition, this blend of natural finishing talent and a hardened mentality makes Balogun a dangerous opponent for any defence. His journey illustrates how self‑directed improvement, strategic mentorship, and the willingness to step out of comfort zones can forge a path to the top of the footballing world.