Balogun's Stunning Week

Striker Scored Three Goals in Two Matches in a Productive Week

It's been quite a few days for Folarin Balogun. The American forward has announced himself as one of the most in-form strikers in Europe right now, contributing three crucial goals across two high-profile matches that have Monaco dreaming of both domestic and European glory.

It began in spectacular fashion on Tuesday, when Balogun took just 55 seconds to head Monaco in front against Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League playoff tie. Before PSG could even settle, he doubled the lead in the 18th minute, pouncing on a defense-splitting pass from Maghnes Akliouche to fire confidently past goalkeeper Matvei Safonov. A brace inside 20 minutes against one of Europe's biggest clubs is the kind of performance that turns heads.

Then came the Lens match. Trailing 2-0 heading into the final half hour at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis, it was Balogun who kept Monaco's comeback alive, converting a right-footed finish on 62 minutes to make it 2-1 after capitalizing on a goalkeeper error. That goal opened the floodgates, with Denis Zakaria and Ansu Fati adding two more in the space of 10 remarkable minutes to seal an improbable 3-2 victory.

The numbers underline just how dangerous he has been. Balogun has now reached 10 goals in 23 appearances across all competitions under coach Sébastien Pocognoli, with Mason Greenwood and Pavel Sulc being the only players to score more for the club in that same time. His presence in and around the box was evident against Lens as well, registering four shots, three on target, and earning two fouls.

With the Champions League return leg against PSG at Parc des Princes still to come, Monaco will be hoping their American striker has saved a little more magic for Wednesday night.