‘He has the potential to be world class’: USA fans clamor for England U21 international Folarin Balogun to pledge his allegiance to America as Arsenal loanee stars in Reims win by scoring brace, including a stunning volley
- Folarin Balogun gained some new US fans after his brace vs. Rennes Thursday
- The on-loan Arsenal striker is starring for Reims – with 10 goals in nine games
- Balogun is only bettered in Ligue 1’s scoring charts by Neymar & Kylian Mbappe
- He is yet to make a decision on his international team despite ENG youth games
- Click here for all your latest international Sports news from DailyMail.com
Folarin Balogun has sent USMNT fans into a frenzy after scoring a wonderful brace for Ligue 1 side Reims during its 3-1 victory Thursday.
Balogun, who is on loan at the northern French side from Arsenal, has yet to decide on which country he will represent at international level – with the US one of several options.
Just five minutes into the game, Alexis Flips found Balogun alone in the box before he fired a vicious volley past the helpless Steven Mandanda.
It certainly caught the eye of diehard USA fans, who urged the federation to make a move.
Folarin Balogun celebrates following his stunning volley to open the score against Rennes
‘The kid is only 21 and is killing it at a top 5 European league,’ one user wrote. ‘He has potential to be world class in a position that is a major weak point for the USMNT.
‘Getting him to commit would be just as big as Dest and Musah in the past, if not even bigger.’
While another followed the same sentiment. ‘We should be doing everything to get him to declare for the USMNT. He’s the best forward in this age group.’
Some took a more comedic approach, with one fan questioning if he had the credentials of longtime squad member Jordan Morris – a player often criticized among supporters.
The youngster has been on fire since going on loan to Ligue 1 side Reims earlier this season
‘Does he have the speed power and courage of a Jordan Morris though?’
The 21-year-old, who was born in New York, has been in fine form this season. Currently, he sits eighth on the Ligue 1 scoring charts, with 10 goals in nine matches.
Only Kylian Mbappe and Neymar have scored more this season than the England youth international.
Balogun has played for England at youth levels, most recently U21, and recently said he would be ‘open’ to representing Nigeria.
Balogun could join the Stars and Stripes but they face stiff competition from England & Nigeria
The 21-year-old, who was born in New York, could one day end up leading the line for USMNT
Speaking to BBC Sport Africa in October, Balogun said: ‘I haven’t heard anything from Nigeria, but I’m open to anything because Nigeria is very close to my heart. My family’s from there. I always have love for Nigeria.’
‘That’s a conversation that I need to have with people around me, my agent and obviously my family.
‘But if I was asked about the opportunity to play for Nigeria, then I can have that conversation. But first I need to be asked.’
USA fans were largely positive at the thought of Balogun in a Team USA shirt in the near future
Balogun is considering switching allegiances, having not played for the England senior team
