A prospect to keep an eye on? I am hearing the leading scorer for Arsenal's U-18 team (9 G, 3A, in 14 games), Folarin Balogun, was born in in the United States, raised in England, and holds Nigerian citizenship. I believe he's eligible for all 3 NT's.— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) April 4, 2018 Credit @bshredder Apologies if this is duplicated somewhere.
USA-ENG-NIG tri-national? Subscribing so that I don’t miss any updates way over the top African soccer blogs.
This can't be easily confirmed online (I've seen next to nothing, apart from some database sites saying he was born in England, but without sourcing I could easily find) so, if true, nice scoop by @bshredder! He is already much-discussed in the African soccer media, @Sup Bro will be glad to learn.
He scored on FC Dallas last week during Dallas Cup. https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/so...dallas-falls-arsenal-opening-match-dallas-cup
There's definitely a history of coaches/players/reps connecting with U.S. Soccer while playing at events here. Most of it presumably doesn't go too far, but it's definitely a thing -- admittedly, not that surprising of one.
scored for Arsenal U23 to tie the game 1-1 vs Liverpool U23. lol, came on the 90+1 minute to score in the 90+2 minute.
this was his 6th U23 game. https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/folarin-balogun/leistungsdaten/spieler/503770
I came across this comparison (and a nickname) from one of his academy teammates: Flo Balogun is like a young Eddie Nketiah up front because he gets into good positions and always scores goals. https://www.arsenal.com/news/nelson-youngsters-who-have-impressed-me-most#g5Ra4ueuszbDpj68.99 Eddie Nketiah is ... a '99 at Arsenal. Kids, get off my lawn.
On the other hand, if the England well dries up in a few years and the USMNT comes calling, we could potentially lock him up. If you’re familiar with the D.E.N.N.I.S System, we would be Mac in this scenario. Swimming in the wake picking up talent from teams like Germany, England, etc.
"Interesting" being a word that can mean just about anything, it's certainly "interesting" that his first-ever England call-up is for a significant continental youth tournament. It's a nice vote of confidence in the player and perhaps says something about England's own confidence in their club/youth system, though one wonders whether reports of U.S. interest accelerated things a bit. And, of course, he isn't cap-tied until he plays.
Last week, Balogun was the lone England player to miss his PK attempt in a semifinal shootout vs. the Netherlands, which ended up being the deciding miss. The Netherlands won the tournament with a perfect record. Him being consoled after the miss:
Arsenal rate him enough to have a small article of him on their website. Last year, Balogun had 25 goals in total. He aspires to play like Edinson Cavani and Robert Lewandowski. https://www.arsenal.com/news/young-gun-folarin-balogun
started the U18 season with a brace in a 4-2 win vs Aston Villa who have 2 Americans in the matchday squad.
Huge get who becomes one of the top US youth #9s. Here are his goals with Arsenal's U18 side last season.
Really wasn’t expecting this so close to the England cap. Maybe scoping out the scene but not planning on playing? It seems a little early in the game to file a one time switch.
Shades of Nebiyou Perry. If I remember that situation correctly, nothing will come of this unless the other federation complains. So it's likely one of three possibilities: (i) we talked to the English FA and got permission, (ii) he won't play in any games, or (iii) rules be damned, the penalty probably won't be significant for such a relatively nondescript tournament.
He can play for the U.S. youth teams and play in friendly games without filing for a switch. My guess is that he is going to go to the camp just to see how the U.S. setup up and how he feels with it. No hurry making a permanent switch.