What is USMNT star Folarin Balogun's ceiling? Monaco’s ex-Arsenal striker told he can ‘go all the way’

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.

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.

Saul Isaksson-Hurst – who has worked with Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal in the past, while offering one-on-one sessions with Balogun – has told Football Insider 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.”

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.