Adi Hütter on Folarin Balogun: ‘Everyone can see he can do better.’ | OneFootball

Adi Hütter has acknowledged that Folarin Balogun (22) can “do better” but supported the USMNT striker ahead of AS Monaco’s encounter against Stade de Reims.

Last year, Balogun scored 22 goals in 39 appearances for Reims. Whilst that goalscoring form wasn’t enough to force him into Mikel Arteta’s plans at Arsenal, it was enough to convince Monaco to invest around €30m in the forward. However, as he prepares to face his former club on Saturday afternoon, he is yet to replicate last season’s form.

Questioned by Get French Football News, Hütter offered mitigating circumstances and backed Balogun, whom he has previously described as “the future” of the Principality club.

“Firstly, I think we play a different style of football (to Reims). He was the go-to striker. He received the ball in lots of space, he was on the back-line and attacking the space. Here in Monaco, it is a little bit special; it is different for him. We have more possession of the ball, more in the opponent’s half,” began the Austrian.

He added, “He has to adapt. He’s a young player that I have spoken with a lot. In a career, you’re not always at your best peak, so we have to accept this. Everyone can see he can do better. I am happy with him. He’s a very professional player. He does everything in possession. This is football sometimes.”

In 15 games for Les Monégasques, Balogun has four goals and four assists, his last coming against Paris Saint-Germain in late November.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle