16 May 2023 , 14:24
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Arsenal starlet Folarin Balogun has finally made a decision on where his international career lies after making the decision to go with the United States over England.
Balogun has proven to be a revelation across the channel in Ligue 1 this season, after joining French outfit Stade de Reims from the Gunners on loan. The 21-year-old has smashed in 19 league goals this campaign, challenging PSG star Kylian Mbappe for the golden boot, before the World Cup winner recently pulled away with 26.
Whilst plying his trade in France, Balogun has been competing on the international stage for England Under 21's, but that is set to soon change.
On Tuesday FIFA confirmed the Arsenal youngster had opted to represent the USA over the England setup, after being born in New York in 2001. The striker is set to join an exciting US Men's National Team under the guidance of former LA Galaxy man Gregg Berhalter.
With the addition of the free-scoring Balogun here is a look at how the USA could lineup with an exciting group of young talent.
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GK: Matt Turner
As has often been the case, the goalkeeping spot in the USMNT has always been competitive and the current setup is no different. Amid the strong competition Berhalter's preferred choice at last winter's World Cup was Balogun's Arsenal teammate Matt Turner.
Matt Turner's is the USA's No. 1 (Dan Mullan/Getty Images)RB: Sergino Dest
Despite being a natural left-back, Sergino Dest has been the man to slot in on the opposite side of the back line for the USA. Despite being just 22, Dest already has plenty of experience at the top level playing for Ajax, Barcelona and AC Milan.
CB: Tim Ream
Amid the the rising stars, the US need their fair share of experience to even things out and this comes through Tim Ream. Despite being 35, the Fulham centre-back is playing some of the best football of his career and is a main-stay in the USMNT eleven.
CB: Cameron Carter-Vickers
Next to Ream comes Cameron Carter-Vickers. The centre-back has played an integral part in Celtic's successes across the past two seasons, and at just 25 is expected to play a big role in the US team in years to come.
Cameron Carter-Vickers has established himself as one of America's top defenders (Getty Images)RB: Antonee Robinson
The second Fulham star making it into the back four is Antonee Robinson. The 25-year-old is one of many Americans to have impressed in the Premier League this season, having played an integral role in sustaining the Cottagers as top-10 team.
CDM: Weston McKennie
Into midfield and it is yet more Premier League representation - for now. Weston McKennie has announced himself as one America's top players in recent years, making a name for himself with Italian giants Juventus, before moving to Leeds United last summer.
CM: Tyler Adams
A second Leeds man making up the three-man midfield is Tyler Adams. Despite being just 24, Adams has already taking on the arm band for the national team, and has become an integral part of Berhalter's squad.
Tyler Adams is the captain of the USMNT (FIFA via Getty Images)CM: Yunus Musah
Completing the midfield is American wonderkid Yunus Musah. At just 20, the midfielder has been competing at the top level of Spanish football with Valencia the past three seasons. Like Balogun he too represented England at youth level.
LW: Timothy Weah
Being the son of Ballon D'or winner George Weah, Timothy was always set for greatness. Whilst his dad opted to play for Liberia, Timothy chose to represent the USMNT and at 23 has become a mainstay within the team.
ST: Folarin Balogun
Folarin Balogun represented Englanand at under-21 level (Getty Images)Of course leading the line is the man himself Balogun. After impressing at youth international level and in Ligue 1, US head coach Berhalter will be hoping the Arsenal man can replicate this form when leading the line in his team.
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RW: Christian Pulisic
And finally completing the front three - and an exciting eleven - is US soccer poster boy Christian Pulisic. Since bursting onto the scene with Borussia Dortmund, the Chelsea man has become integral to the US national team, and was infamously referred to as the 'LeBron James of soccer'.
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Aside from their starting line-up, there are a host of promising talents waiting in the wings who will have a big part to play for the USA moving forwards. On-loan Arsenal defender Auston Trusty, currently at Birmingham City, and Crystal Palace star Chris Richards will hope to kick-on and force their way into the picture.
Brenden Aaronson has impressed in midfield for Leeds United, whilst Giovanni Reyna remains a highly-regarded talent and Taylor Booth has been linked with Manchester United for his performances for Utrecht. There's a host of others who will be challenging for places as the USA's future looks bright.