Article #47942

The Monaco striker’s impact on the US attack will vary depending on how the team builds up, and where that buildup happens

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Some strikers are gregarious personalities who ensure attention even when they struggle. Folarin Balogun prefers to speak softly and maintain a healthy goalscoring record. The 24-year-old has still been making himself known to his country of birth – he was born in New York but raised in London – after committing to the US over England and Nigeria. This past season, he finished fourth in Ligue 1 scoring with 13 goals, priming him for an emergent World Cup on home soil.

Balogun’s recruitment was closely monitored by US fans, desperate for a dependable goalscorer.