Folarin Balogun has been speaking about his loan, how he feels he has matured, and how there is no hiding place now.

MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - MARCH 19: Folarin Balogun of Middlesbrough during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Middlesbrough v Chelsea at Riverside Stadium on March 19, 2022 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND – MARCH 19: Folarin Balogun of Middlesbrough during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Middlesbrough v Chelsea at Riverside Stadium on March 19, 2022 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Folarin Balogun headed off on loan at the start of the year as his road into the Arsenal first team starts to gather pace.

It took the Arsenal youngster some time to net his first goal, although it seemed like bad luck was the only thing keeping the ball out of the net at times.

When Balogun’s second came, it was a beauty.

Still, many Arsenal fans were likely expecting a better return than two goals and two assists from 15 games, although Balogun has only played the full 90 minutes three times.

Consistency, as Balogun notes, will help on many fronts.

“Any single player would love to be in a side playing well,” Balogun said of Arsenal when he spoke to Football.London’s Alan Smith.

“It makes your job easier.

Folarin Balogun celebrating a goal for Middlesbrough (Photo via Middlesbrough on Instagram)
Folarin Balogun celebrating a goal for Middlesbrough (Photo via Middlesbrough on Instagram)

“I’m looking at them but also concentrating on what I need to do to get into the team and add my qualities.

“From the outside looking in it’s very good.

“My game’s definitely become a lot more mature [at Middlesbrough],” Balogun said.

“Playing Under-23s I could get away with things sometimes.

“Transitioning to men’s football, I’ve noticed you need to play with your head a bit more and know when to do certain things.

“My game’s come on but I know there’s still a lot more I can do to improve.

MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND: Folarin Balogun of Middlesbrough on the ball during the Sky Bet Championship match between Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion at Riverside Stadium on February 22, 2022. (Photo by Stu Forster / Getty Images)
MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND: Folarin Balogun of Middlesbrough on the ball during the Sky Bet Championship match between Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion at Riverside Stadium on February 22, 2022. (Photo by Stu Forster / Getty Images)

“It’s an opportunity to learn. Any opportunity to learn is worth it.

“I wouldn’t say I go into games thinking I need to impress.

“I’m in this position because of my quality. It’s not something I need to show, I just need to do it on a more consistent basis.”