Balogun, Ballard, Osei-Tutu, etc: How well have the players Arsenal loaned to the EFL really done this season?

With the EFL often helping the development of the club’s talent, Arsenal has proven to be a destination that is trusting of the Football League pyramid. 

This season is no different with the Gunners sending out a handful of their players into tier’s two to four.

Here, we take a look at how Arsenal’s EFL loanees are getting on this season…

Folarin Balogun 

Arriving at Middlesbrough in January, Folarin Balogun has netted three times in 16 appearances for the promotion-chasing Championship outfit.

Balogun has started eight of those games, and whilst showing glimpses of promise, he has only started half of the games he has appeared in.

Certainly impressing with his ability on the ball and his electric pace, Balogun is operating in a system where the forwards are rotated quite a bit, with Boro possessing some strong attacking options.

Jordi Osei-Tutu 

Starting the season on loan at Nottingham Forest and not seen much football, the full-back joined Rotherham United on a temporary basis in January.

The 23-year-old has played at left wing-back more often than not for the Millers, featuring 12 times since his January switch.

Osei-Tutu scored an important goal for the Millers on their way to their Papa John’s Trophy triumph at Wembley.

Daniel Ballard 

Impressing on loan in League One with Blackpool this season, Daniel Ballard has seen similar levels of success in the higher division with Millwall.

The 22-year-old has regularly featured when he has been available for the Lions this season, proving to be an excellent ball carrier and a physical presence too.

It remains to be seen what the immediate future might look like for Ballard, and whether another loan move might be sanctioned to bridge the gap to first-team level football