Brighton Hove lbion summer signing, Leon Aderemi Balogun got several personal statistics that stood him out in the heart of The Seagulls’ defence, though he played as a substitute in their victory against Manchester United.
The former Fortuna Dusseldofr, SV Daamstardt and SV Mainz of Germany defender got his EPL debut when he went on in place of Brighton’s skipper, Lewis Dunk twenty minutes into the clash at the American Express Stadium.
The hosts skipper pulled up with an apparent injury after a coming together with Romelu Lukaku and having struggled to continue going from there on, had to make way for the Nigerian to make his league debut for the Seagulls.
Balogun joined the club in May as a free agent from German Bundesliga side, Mainz 05 before starring for Nigeria at the World Cup in Russia this summer.
Two quick-fire goals from Glen Murray and Shane Duffy had the hosts in front just after his introduction and while Lukaku’s header provided some respite for the Red Devils, Pascal Gross slotted in a third goal from the spot, keeping scores 3-1 just before halftime.
Paul Pogba converted a penalty for Manchester United in the fifth minute of stoppage time to bring some respectability to the scoreline, after which figures showed that Balogun exceled after his introduction in the 20th minute.
As Brighton went on to win 3-2 on Sunday evening, Balogun was the statistical leader in tackles, interceptions, clearances and blocked shots combined with 12.
He recorded 4 tackles, 3 interceptions, 5 clearances and zero blocked shots to place first ahead of second-placed Shane Duffy and Davy Pröpper who both totalled 8 each in the four stats.
Duffy, who partnered Balogun in central defense for 70 minutes, finished the game with 0 tackles, 2 interceptions, 4 clearances and 2 blocked shots, while Pröpper made 7 tackles, 1 interception and scored 0 in clearances and blocked shots.
United’s best defender was Luke Shaw, with 4 tackles, 2 interceptions and 1 clearance, followed by Ashley Young, 2 tackles and 4 clearances, but Balogun made a game-high five clearances, one more than Shane Duffy, Ashley Young, Paul Pogba and Victor Lindelöf.
