Two goals in 14 games! USMNT star Folarin Balogun backed to silence doubters despite dreadful run for Monaco

The 22-year-old striker smashed through the 20-goal barrier in French football last season during a productive loan spell at Reims. Those exploits earned him a big-money transfer away from Premier League giants Arsenal. He has found the going a little tougher in 2023-24, missing a few penalties along the way, but retains the full support of his club colleagues.

Monaco team-mate Denis Zakaria has told TNT Sports of Balogun’s supposed struggles in the final third: “He's an important player for us. When a striker doesn't score for a few matches, we tend to criticise him a bit. He's helped us a lot in many matches, especially against Lens. Even if he hasn't always been as efficient as he can be, he's a great goalscorer and a great guy. I have no doubt he'll score a lot of goals for AS Monaco.”

Balogun is not the only exciting forward on Monaco’s books – as he is joined by the likes of Wissam Ben Yedder, Aleksandr Golovin, Takumi Minamino and Maghnes Akliouche - with Zakaria saying when asked who impresses him the most: “I could mention all of them... There's a lot of talent. But honestly, there are so many players, including young ones, who are very strong... I couldn't single one out in particular. We're very lucky to have them all.”

Monaco have risen up to third in the Ligue 1 table, as they compete for Champions League qualification, and have seen Balogun register six goals in 22 appearances. Indeed, he'll be looking to hit top form soon as he works his way through a big year for the United States, that includes the CONCACAF Nations League finals and 2024 Copa America.