While some forwards are known for their extroverted personalities, Folarin Balogun opts for a quieter approach while maintaining an impressive scoring record. The 24-year-old, born in New York and raised in London, has made a significant impact on the US Men’s National Team after choosing to represent the United States over England and Nigeria. Last season, he ranked fourth in Ligue 1 with 13 goals, setting the stage for a promising World Cup on home soil.
His recruitment attracted considerable attention from US fans eager for a reliable goal scorer.
“What we would say in England is how sharp he is,” remarked USMNT captain Tim Ream. “Just with his movement: left, right, being able to hold the ball up and bring other players in, and then his movement in behind and getting himself in the goalscoring positions is something that we’ve been crying out for for a long time with the team and this group. He’s probably the most annoying striker for me to have to deal with in training because he is so quick with his movements, physically strong and able to seemingly glide past people.”
Performance in Recent Friendlies
Balogun has participated for at least 45 minutes in six of the United States’ ten friendlies since last summer’s Gold Cup, all against teams that qualified for the World Cup. Over these matches, he accumulated 423 minutes, with five appearances lasting between 71 and 81 minutes. He averaged 26.4 touches per 90 minutes, with a notable 24.1% of these touches occurring within the opponent’s box. His highest touch counts included nine against Japan, eight against Ecuador, and six in a 45-minute stint against Senegal.
The US’s final pre-tournament friendlies against Senegal and Germany served as crucial tests for assessing the team’s system before the World Cup, highlighting both strengths and areas needing improvement. The match against Germany, in particular, revealed a tendency to build up play down the left flank, facilitated by Ream’s distribution to former Fulham teammate Antonee Robinson. While this approach increases Christian Pulisic’s involvement, it can sometimes leave Balogun isolated as teammates strive to return the ball to the more congested central area.
Balogun’s Unique Skills
However, this isolation may not pose a significant issue. Balogun’s agility keeps him at the forefront of defenders’ minds, even when service becomes limited. His ability to draw center-backs out of position by shifting from side to side opens avenues for teammates to exploit on counterattacks. Balogun embodies the role of an advanced striker, typically staying closer to the opponent’s goal rather than dropping back into midfield or defensive duties.
As the stakes rise in upcoming matches, ensuring that the team’s leading form forward receives scoring opportunities is essential.
“I think in the game against Senegal, I had a good amount of opportunities. I felt involved in a short amount of time. As a striker, that’s what you want to do. That’s how you want to feel. The game against Germany was a bit more difficult. Of course, they’re a better opposition, so that’s to be expected.” Balogun noted regarding the left-oriented buildup against Germany. “I’m just trying to go into these games, you know: every game’s going to be a completely new game,”
Looking Ahead to Paraguay
Paraguay, the US’s first opponent in the group stage, will present a unique challenge. The US faced La Albirroja in a friendly last November, where Balogun netted the second goal in a 2-1 victory. That match featured many players who are now likely to start in the World Cup, including Pulisic, Robinson, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, and Sergiño Dest, which may have affected Balogun’s chances during that game. Having his preferred attacking midfielders and defenders could facilitate quicker service to Balogun than in the previous encounter.
Nevertheless, his performance against Paraguay’s low defensive block demonstrated that he doesn’t require numerous opportunities to leave an impression. Balogun had only 15 touches during his 75 minutes on the pitch, marking his least involved outing among six extended appearances after the Gold Cup, with just one of those touches occurring in the Paraguayan box.
The US did everything it could to limit his impact, yet Balogun still capitalized on his chance. After the US forced a turnover near the edge of the final third in the 71st minute, Balogun surged forward. He collaborated with Gio Reyna to reach the edge of the box, where Reyna attempted to cross back to Balogun. Despite a deflection, the ball fell to Balogun, who decisively struck the ball into the near post with his only box touch of the match.
Paraguay will likely be analyzing game footage to strategize against Balogun, while the US continues to refine its approach through the center of the field. Balogun, however, remains confident in his ability to capitalize on the opportunities he receives.
“Every game’s going to be a fight. Players need to be hungry, stay focused. I have faith in my teammates and myself that we can definitely create opportunities and finish them off.” Balogun stated. “Every game’s going to be a fight. Players need to be hungry, stay focused. I have faith in my teammates and myself that we can definitely create opportunities and finish them off.”
