Folarin Balogun’s childhood soccer coach has revealed how he knew he was destined to reach the top from the moment he started playing.
Balogun has been the star of the show for the USMNT this summer after they secured their place in the next stage of the World Cup with a game to spare.
The former Arsenal youngster has scored two goals so far but his first coach isn’t surprised by his form at all.
Youth coach always knew Folarin Balogun would make it
From Balogun accidentally receiving US citizenship to leading the line for the country, it has been quite the rise.
But, before he played for Arsenal, his ability was first discovered at local side Aldersbrook Athletic in east London, where coach Peter Hucker admitted he was levels above everyone else.
“He was far too good for what we do,” he told The Athletic. “You can’t coach intelligence. At such young ages, that’s what stands out a mile.
“Not because they can beat everybody or have the best shot, but because of their intelligence when they’re playing, they’re way ahead of everybody else.
“Most kids who think they’re Pele will try to score 100 goals every game, the good players are never like that and he wasn’t like that.”
Folarin Balogun expected to be a man in demand after World Cup
After excelling for Monaco in Ligue 1 and now on the world stage, interest in the forward’s availability isn’t coming as a shock.
Multiple clubs are reportedly interested in Balogun this summer and a bidding war could ensue to sign him.
For now, he still has work to do with Mauricio Pochettino to bring glory to the US this summer.
