Folarin Balogun is the USMNT’s focal point, whether he’s getting touches or not

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.