USMNT striker Folarin Balogun remains on bench as Monaco ease past Lyon in concerning development

U.S. international Folarin Balogun was named to the teamsheet for Monaco's clash with Lyon Saturday, but went as an unused substitute in a 2-0 victory in Ligue 1 action.

He started their opener on Aug. 17 against Saint-Etienne, a 1-0 victory, but was demoted to the bench this week - which may be a concern for the U.S. men's national team.

After being one of the few standout performers at Copa America 2024 for the USMNT, Balogun was being touted for a breakout season with Monaco in 2024-25. However, if he cannot consistently find himself in the XI, it will be a problem for his national team playing time.

Balogun's competition at the position are starting to show strong form at the start of the season. Josh Sargent is banging in goals left and right for Norwich City, while attackers Haji Wright is also off the mark in the English Championship.

If Balogun wants to keep his starting spot on the international stage, he's going to need to break into the XI and stay there with Monaco.

In 2022-23, while on loan from Premier League side Arsenal at Reims, Balogun scored 22 goals in 39 appearances. A breakout season, the campaign is what sparked his move to Monaco in the summer of 2023. However, in 33 appearances for the French side across all competitions since his arrival, he's scored just eight total goals.

Monaco are back in action next Sunday against Lens. Balogun will look to impress in training this week as he looks to find himself in the mix next weekend.