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Folarin Balogun MonacoPhotos AS Monaco
Gill Clark

USMNT's Folarin Balogun picks up embarrassing yellow card on Monaco debut as Ligue 1 side maintain impressive start to season with win over Lens

Monaco handed new signing Folarin Balogun a debut against Lens as they recorded a 3-0 win to go top of the table in France.

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  • Balogun swapped Arsenal for Monaco
  • Made debut as substitute
  • Booked when trying to win a penalty
  • Monaco 2023-24Getty

    WHAT HAPPENED?

    Monaco were already 3-0 up against Lens when Balogun was introduced with 72 minutes on the clock. Goals from Wilfried Singo, Aleksandr Golovin and Guillermo Maripan had the hosts in cruise control and allowed manager Adi Hutter the luxury of resting Wissam Ben Yedder and sending on Balogun to make his debut following his move from Arsenal.

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  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Balogun was instantly involved in the action, wanting a penalty after rounding goalkeeper Brice Samba. The forward went to ground under the slightest touch but no spot-kick was given and Balogun was handed a yellow card for diving instead. Another sight of goal presented itself after a smart run, but the former Arsenal man dwelt to long on the ball and could only find the side netting.

  • Folarin Balogun MonacoPhotos AS Monaco

    USMNT IMPACT

    USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter will be surely glad to see Balogun getting his first minutes of the season following his move from Arsenal. Berhalter has already hailed the transfer a "fabulous move" after seeing him score 21 goals in Ligue 1 last season for Reims. Meanwhile, Balogun has explained he wanted to move out of his comfort zone in a bid to develop his game. The forward will be aiming to force his way into the starting XI at Monaco, with Saturday's win keeping them top of the table heading into the international break with 10 points from their first four games.

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  • GOAL'S RATING

    Folarin Balogun (5/10):

    Looked eager to make an impact after coming off the bench in the second half, perhaps too eager, as he went to ground far too easily in a bid to win a penalty. Looked lively enough but the game had already been won by the time he came on and he had little time to really make an impact for his new team.

  • Folarin Balogun USMNTGetty Images

    WHAT COMES NEXT?

    Balogun will now switch his focus to international action with the USMNT. The forward has been called into Gregg Berhalter's latest Stars and Stripes squad for September friendlies against Uzbekistan and Oman and will be aiming for more minutes for the national side.

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