Folarin Balogun has the potential to be “one of the best”, claims a former Arsenal coach, with the USMNT star told that he can “go all the way”.

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• Striker starred on loan at Reims last season
• Plenty of potential still to be unlocked
• Looking to become a key man for club & country

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The United States international is still just 22 years of age, making it difficult to predict what his “ceiling” could be. He showed enough during a loan spell at Reims last season, which delivered 22 goals and earned him a big-money transfer to Monaco, to suggest that he can become a fearsome No.9 for club and country.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  There are, however, still areas of his game that Balogun needs to work on – with Monaco looking to make him a focal point of their team. He has registered eight goals and five assists in the current campaign, with the challenge being to learn from mistakes and become a more complete forward.

• WHAT ISAKSSON-HURST SAID ABOUT BALOGUN

  Saul Isaksson-Hurst – who has worked with Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal in the past, while offering one-on-one sessions with Balogun – has told of polishing a rough diamond: “It’s difficult to say [what Balogun’s ceiling is]. He had a really good season at Reims but this season has been more challenging. Monaco play with two up top and he’s asked to do different things – they don’t build the whole team around him. But that’s league football. He’s doing really well with America as well, so he’s got a good platform in international football. In terms of shooting, finishing and being an in-the-box striker, he’s one of the best around as a young prospect. It’s such a fine line, but he has the potential to go all the way.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BALOGUN?

  Balogun has helped the USMNT to back-to-back CONCACAF Nations League triumphs in 2023 and 2024 and will be hoping that his club form earns a place in Gregg Berhalter’s plans for the Copa America that will take place on U.S. soil this summer.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News