Friedel: Balogun’s Monaco confidence fuels USMNT’s rise

In the quiet hours before the Round of 16, the USMNT’s hotel bar in Kansas City buzzed with subdued optimism. Folarin Balogun sat nursing a drink, three goals and an assist already behind him, the red card against Slovenia still fresh in his mind. Former USMNT goalkeeper Brad Friedel leaned in during an exclusive interview to explain how the AS Monaco striker’s Ligue 1 experience is shaping his World Cup trajectory. Friedel, a Premier League legend, said Balogun’s time at AS Monaco has instilled a crucial confidence heading into the tournament. “The confidence he brings from AS Monaco is excellent,” Friedel said. “As a player, to bring confidence into the World Cup is important and with the pressure of the home nation to perform, he has been excellent.” Balogun arrived in the United States squad with three goals and an assist in three appearances, including a red card against Slovenia. Friedel highlighted the striker’s Ligue 1 form as a direct contributor to his current impact. “His confidence coming into the tournament from his form from Monaco was really important,” Friedel added. Timothy Weah, meanwhile, has managed just one start and one substitute appearance for Olympique de Marseille this season. Friedel suggested Weah’s limited minutes may be affecting his rhythm. “This can be the case as I think he is quality,” Friedel said. “With Balogun coming into the tournament with huge confidence and showing this with his goals and performances, Weah is a top player and needs game time.” Friedel also speculated on Ligue 1 clubs’ potential interest in USMNT players after the tournament. “There are plenty of players in the US squad who can benefit from playing in Ligue 1,” he said. “The higher the quality of league, the better experience they will get, which can only benefit the USA squad for future tournaments.”

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The American public’s reaction to France’s performances has been one of admiration, “They are super impressed as I am,” he said. “I saw the France vs Norway game live and France were brilliant. Yes Norway changed their team, but France still performed so well.” Friedel rated France as favorites to reach the semi-final, while the US face a “hugely tough ask” in Belgium. “France are favourites to get to the semi-final,” he said. “For USA, they had a really tough game against Bosnia, which they navigated. Then it’s another tough, tough game against Belgium.” On Mike Maignan, Friedel praised the goalkeeper’s mental recovery after a shaky start. “He has impressed me with his response,” Friedel said. “With such quality in front of him, he has the confidence to push on now in the knock-out stages.” Friedel even broke down Maignan’s penalty save against Norway, crediting the keeper’s deceptive movement.

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Friedel also addressed Antoine Griezmann’s impending move to Orlando City in MLS. “Orlando City are going through a transition period right now,” he said. “They have started the season poorly, the team needs a lift and he can provide this.” Griezmann’s technical ability and leadership will be vital for Orlando, Friedel believes. “With his technical ability, this will be perfect for him to shine,” Friedel said. “He can show his leadership, he can show his experience, he can enjoy the pace of the game too.”