Following a sensational stretch for AS Monaco where he’s scored seven goals in his last seven matches, Folarin Balogun heads off for U.S. men’s national team duty eager to keep things rolling.
Having been nominated for the Ligue 1 Player of the Month award for February, the man who notably netted against Paris Saint-Germain three times has been firing on all cylinders. While it hasn't been all plain sailing for Balogun since joining Monaco from Arsenal for $43 million in 2023, with injuries and inconsistency popping up at times, hopes are high that he's now truly kicked into gear.
Fully fit and in the best form of his career, it’s clear to see why USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino views him as the man to lead the line ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
But what exactly does Balogun bring to the table? With just days until the team’s final two games before Pochettino names his World Cup squad, let’s get to know the United States’ starting striker a bit better.
Clever off-ball movement
With a balanced mixture of physical and technical ability and experience playing in the Champions League, it’s easy to see why Balogun has claimed the USMNT’s starting No. 9 role. He’ll be comfortable facing off against the sorts of elite defenders that could be staring down the United States in just a few months. But Balogun has more than just athleticism and on-ball ability – he’s also a threat with clever off-ball movement.
