‘He has world-class potential’: American fans urge England U21 international Fallerin Balogun to pledge allegiance to America
- Foralin Balogun scored two goals against Rennes on Thursday and won a new US fan
- The Arsenal striker on loan at Reims – 10 goals in 9 appearances
- Balogun topped only Neymar and Kylian Mbappe in Ligue 1 goalscoring charts
- After England’s youth games, he has yet to make a decision on his national team
- Click here for all the latest international sports news on DailyMail.com.
Foralin Balogun sent USMNT fans into a frenzy after scoring two excellent goals over Lance in a 3-1 win in Ligue 1 on Thursday.
Balogun, who is on loan from Arsenal to the north of France, has yet to decide which country he will represent at international level. He is also eligible to represent England and Nigeria.
With just five minutes to go, Alexis Flips unleashed a vicious volley past a helpless Stephen Mandanda after finding Balogun alone in the box.
It certainly caught the eye of die-hard US fans who urged the Commonwealth to make a move.
Foralin Balogun celebrates with a spectacular volley to open the scoring against Rennes
“This boy is only 21 years old and is playing in the top 5 leagues in Europe,” wrote one user. “He has the potential to be world-class in a position that is the USMNT’s major weakness.
“Making him commit will be as big as Desto and Musa in the past, if not more.”
Another person followed the same sentiment. They said: “We should do everything for him to declare for the USMNT. He’s the best forward in this age group.
It certainly caught the eye of die-hard US fans who urged the Commonwealth to make a move.
One fan wondered if he qualified for Jordan Morris, a player often criticized among supporters.
“But does he have the speed power and courage of Jordan Morris?”
The 21-year-old from New York has been in good form this season. Currently, in his 16 appearances he has scored 10 goals and sits tied for his third place on the Ligue 1 scoring charts.
The youngster has been on fire since being loaned to Ligue 1 side Reims earlier this season
Only Paris Saint-Germain stars Kylian Mbappe and Neymar have scored more goals than any England youth international this season.
Balogun has played for England at youth level, most recently for the Under-21s and recently said he was ‘open’ to Nigeria.
talk bbc sports africa In October, Balogun said: My family is from there. I will always love Nigeria.
“It needs to be discussed with the people around me, my agent, and of course my family.
“But if you ask me about the opportunity to play in Nigeria, I can tell the story. But first I need to be asked.
American fans were generally positive considering Balogun would wear a Team USA shirt in the near future.
The 21-year-old New Yorker may one day lead the USMNT.
Balogun considers switching allegiance after not playing for England’s senior team
