da bet nacional： Folarin Balogun is being urged to “do better” by Monaco boss Adi Hutter, with the United States international registering one goal in 11 games.

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American starred in France on loan at ReimsLanded big-money transfer away from ArsenalStill searching for a spark in the final thirdWHAT HAPPENED?

The former Arsenal frontman found the target on 22 occasions last season during a productive loan spell in Ligue 1 at Reims. He returned to France in the summer of 2023 when a €40 million (£34m/$44m) transfer was put in place. The USMNT star has found the going a little tougher this term, with end product drying up despite seeing regular game time.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT HUTTER SAID ABOUT BALOGUN

Hutter said of Balogun after seeing him draw a blank as a half-time substitute in a 3-1 defeat to Reims: “He has to adapt. He’s a young player that I have spoken with a lot. In a career, you’re not always at your best peak, so we have to accept this. Everyone can see he can do better. I am happy with him. He’s a very professional player. He does everything in possession. This is football sometimes.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Balogun’s last goal came against Paris Saint-Germain on November 24, with Hutter admitting that his No.9 is still adjusting to life in new surroundings. He added: “Firstly, I think we play a different style of football [from Reims]. He was the go-to striker. He received the ball in lots of space, he was on the back line and attacking the space. Here in Monaco, it is a little bit special. It is different for him. We have more possession of the ball, more in the opponent’s half.”

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR BALOGUN?

Balogun will be hoping to find a spark in 2024 as, alongside his commitments at club level, he has potential outings at the CONCACAF Nations League finals and a Copa America tournament on home soil to come with the United States.