Several Arsenal players have struggled on the International stage this summer at both Euro 2024 and the Copa America.
England stars Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were outstanding for Arsenal this season, but both have attracted criticism with Gareth Southgate’s side underperforming at Euro 2024.
Kai Havertz has also been criticised for his recent display for Germany, whilst Leandro Trossard looks bereft of the confidence he ended the season with under Mikel Arteta.
In the Copa America, both Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli were on the bench for Brazil’s opening game, and neither have impacted the tournament yet.
The same cannot be said of former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun, who has earned rave reviews for his performances with the USMNT.
Folarin Balogun scores screamer in USA Copa America defeat to Panama
USA were stunned as they fell to a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Panama, which leaves their hopes of qualifying for the knockout rounds in the balance.
Balogun, whom Arsenal sold to Monaco last summer, did open the scoring in the 22nd minute with an outrageous strike into the top corner.
This came just minutes after Timothy Weah was sent off, but Balogun fired his team ahead after a quick passing move saw him smash the ball with his left foot from the edge of the box.
However, Panama then scored twice to give themselves the victory, in a game in which former Arsenal flop Matt Turner was withdrawn at half time due to injury.
Nevertheless, Balogun has been praised for his performance.
Folarin Balogun praised despite USMNT defeat
This was Balogun’s second goal of the tournament, having also scored in the opening 2-0 victory over Bolivia, and with the rest of his team faltering, he was praised for his standout performance.
American outlet NBC Sports gave Balogun an 8/10 rating, and claimed that this was arguably his best game for the USMNT.
“The goal was great and he nearly had a second. This was one of the Monaco man’s best games in a USMNT shirt. Just 17 touches but stuck into nine duels, winning four. The goal, it’s worth mentioning again, was terrific,” they stated of Balogun in their match ratings.
Balogun did struggle at times for Monaco this season after his big-money move from Arsenal, but whilst there are few regrets from Arteta that he chose to let the Hale End product leave, the attacker will hope to deliver for his country again to help his side beat Uruguay to reach the knockouts.
Arteta has Arsenal stars in Marbella whilst Bukayo Saka struggles at Euro 2024
In this week’s episode, Will Jones and Rahul Lakhani discussed England’s recent poor performances at the European Championships. With Arsenal players Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka receiving mixed reviews for England so far, Gareth Southgate’s tactical decisions were questioned.
There was some talk about the members of the Arsenal squad currently on a surprise training camp with Mikel Arteta in Marbella, as well as a brief look at how Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli are getting on at the Copa America with Brazil.