Folarin Balogun and Emile Smith Rowe have both been nominated for the Premier League 2’s Player of the Month award after strong starts to the season.

Emile Smith Rowe (Photo via Twitter / Arsenal)
Emile Smith Rowe (Photo via Twitter / Arsenal)

Smith Rowe and Balogun were both named by the Premier League among their shortlist of seven for the August award.

The system for nominations involves club managers picking the best performance by an opposing player in each of their u23 league matches, so the two Arsenal youngsters should be proud they’ve been making such an impression on their opponents.

Balogun scored four goals and assisted two in four league games, starting his first full season at u23 level by rocketing to the top of the division’s top-scorer list. He also received his first call-up to the England u19s, though he had to pull out with a knock.

Smith Rowe wasn’t quite as involved in the goals, scoring just once against Brighton, though he did also provide an assist in the EFL Trophy in August.

The midfielder was mostly building his fitness at first, only playing 45 minutes and 60 minutes in the opening fixtures. Once he got going, Smith Rowe was very impressive though, and he fully deserves his nomination as well.

The 19-year-old is likely to now move on to the Arsenal first team, with the League Cup and Europa League group stage starting later this month. Balogun could also be set for call-ups if he recovers in time. Congratulations to both on a positive start to the season!

Harry Chapman (Blackburn), James Garner (Manchester United), Billy Gilmour (Chelsea), Dan Kemp (West Ham), and Brandon Williams (Manchester United) were the other nominees this month.