Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun is top the Ligue 1 scoring charts ahead of Kylian Mbappe thanks to a hat-trick for Reims.
The England Under-21 international took his goal total to 14 in 20 games, lifting him ahead of Paris Saint-Germain’s trio of Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi.
Joining the French side on loan from the Gunners for the season, the 21-year-old has been in frightening form, and it was no different in a 4-2 win over Lorient.
Two goals down in the match, the striker first cut the deficit with a blast from the penalty spot, and after teammate Kamory Doumbia levelled the score, Balogun took over.
Volleying in from close range he put his side ahead, and then repeated the feat with a sumptuous first-time hit from a long-ball into the area.
Balogun collapsed onto the floor after completing his hat-trick in the 64th minute, clearly overjoyed at how well things are going in the Champagne region.
Mbappe is a goal behind the youngster on 13 and the French superstar missed a glorious chance to go level with Balogun as he his penalty was saved before blazing the rebound over the bar with the goal gaping, this coming after VAR ordered him to retake his initial penalty which was saved.
Balogun has already made his mark on the French superstar though, equalising in stoppage time after Neymar’s opener last time out to take a point from the Paris giants.
Most read in Football
Balogun spent last season on loan at Middlesbrough, where he scored three goals, and he has he has two in 10 games for the Gunners‘ senior side.
The Arsenal academy product is eligible to play for England, the USA and Nigeria due to his heritage and birthplace, having represented both the Three Lions and the US at youth level.
But with seven goals in 13 for England’s U21s and his incredible form in France, he’s clearly outgrown youth football, and could well be set for a bright future with Arsenal and England.
talkSPORT BET Euro 2024 Offers
Offer 1: Completely free £5 bet for Euro 2024 – No Deposit Needed
18+ New customers only. Opt in, get £5 free bet on selected markets. Available for first 5000 customers only. Bonus expires in 24h after registration. T&Cs apply, GambleAware.org Please gamble responsibly
Offer 2: Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets
18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile & bet £10+ on any sports at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly