Folarin Balogun’s productive start to his AS Monaco career continued this past weekend with a strong outing in Saturday’s trip to Rennes.
AS Monaco earned back-to-back league wins this weekend with Balogun excelling atop the club’s formation. Balogun assisted on both of Monaco’s goals in a 2-1 road triumph over Rennes, earning SBI Americans Abroad Player of the Week honors.
The 22-year-old created the most chances in the match (4) and also completed 90% of his passes. Balogun’s hold-up ability and improving distribution skills have certainly provided a boost for the Ligue 1 side this season.
With Monaco pushing to chase leaders Paris Saint-Germain, Balogun’s production will be crucial in whether or not they can catch the reigning champions by season’s end.
Lyon and Toulouse oppose Monaco for its next two matches before a showdown against his former club Stade Reims opens the 2024 schedule.
Here is a look at some of the other top Americans Abroad performers from this past week:
Christian Pulisic
AC Milan might have lost to Atalanta on Saturday but Christian Pulisic did not disappoint for the Rossoneri.
Pulisic assisted once in the eventual 3-2 defeat, showing positive signs in the final third. The 25-year-old played 90 minutes on the left wing, creating one key offensive chance, drawing three fouls, and winning five of seven duels.
Pulisic’s improving run of form is key heading into a crucial midweek Champions League trip to Newcastle United.
Matt Turner
Matt Turner’s long wait for playing time at Nottingham Forest finally came to an end on Saturday.
Turner started and made three saves as Steve Cooper’s squad earned a 1-1 draw with Wolves. It marked Turner’s first club appearance since October after a lengthy spell on the bench.
The veteran shot-stopper will hope that Saturday’s performance is the start of a new run of minutes in the Forest squad.
Weston McKennie
Another week, another victory for Weston McKennie and Juventus.
McKennie played 89 minutes in Juventus’ 1-0 Serie A triumph over Napoli. The USMNT midfielder has continued to play a key role in Massimiliano Allegri’s squad as the Old Lady move up the league table.
He won six duels, made two tackles, and four recoveries as Juventus stayed in touching distance of first place in Serie A.
Antonee Robinson
Fulham rolled to three points on Sunday with USMNT left back Antonee Robinson continuing his stellar run of form.
Robinson played 72 minutes in the Cottagers 5-0 league romp over London rivals West Ham United. The 26-year-old created one offensive opportunity, won seven of 12 duels, and made one interception.
Although he did not end up on the scoresheet, Robinson’s strong two-way abilities helped Fulham register a home clean sheet.
What did you think of these individual performances this weekend? Was there anyone left off the list that you would’ve added?
Share your thoughts below.
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