Wrap-Up of AS Monaco players at Euro 2024 and the Copa America
With all five of AS Monaco’s players who were involved in Euro 2024 and the Copa America now eliminated, this represents an ideal opportunity to look back on how the quintet on duty fared in the respective tournaments for their nations.
Youssouf Fofana: France – Euro 2024
Although he was only granted 40 minutes of total action, it was still wonderful to see Youssouf Fofana strutting his stuff for France in the prestigious Euro 2024 showpiece for one of the finest teams in world football – just as he did at the 2022 World Cup.
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Seeing as France boasts a truly elite, star-studded squad, Fofana deserves credit for making three appearances off the bench for Didier Deschamps’ men, as they bowed out in the semi-finals vs. Spain.
Not only did he score a crucial penalty in Les Bleus’ shoot-out triumph over Portugal, but he also provided plenty of energy in midfield with his relentless running power while superbly executing his roles and responsibilities when on the pitch, as he yet again underlined his class.
Breel Embolo: Switzerland – Euro 2024
Breel Embolo enjoyed an excellent Euros for Switzerland, who were one of the standout sides prior to their unfortunate exit on penalties against England.
Leading the line with aplomb for Murat Yakin’s tactically sophisticated Swiss side on his way to bagging two goals, that came against Hungary and England, there was much to admire about his output.
Proving a terrific outlet with his smart drops deep, brilliant back to goal work and terrific aerial prowess, this, in combination with his crafty runs in behind and into the box, ensured he was a massive force to be reckoned with.
Athletic, physical and technical, it was great to see him shining on the big stage especially given what a challenging last season he endured due to injury.
Denis Zakaria: Switzerland – Euro 2024
While injury prevented Denis Zakaria from featuring in the group stage and stamping his mark for Switzerland as he would have liked, the man who enjoyed a super first campaign with Les Monegasques managed to get some minutes, with him coming on during extra-time in their heartbreaking loss to the Three Lions.
Folarin Balogun: United States – Copa America 2024
While the USMNT’s Copa America was a huge disappointment, as they failed to progress from their group on home soil, much encouragement could be gained from Folarin Balogun’s output.
Scoring two vital goals in the opening two games before getting injured vs. Uruguay, which was a colossal blow, the 23-year-old certainly illustrated why he’s such a tremendous talent who has an immense future ahead.
“Gregg (Berhalter) has always given me that confidence to just do what I naturally do,” Balogun explained. “He’s telling the boys to find me. I’m not going to back down. As a striker, when you’re in a tournament of this magnitude, you just want to hit that goal and gain confidence. I feel I was able to do that. That puts me in a good mental position for the future.”
Starting all three games at the competition, it was good to see him holding his own on the big stage and rising above the criticism that saw many calling for him to be dropped, as the ASM striker’s form was a real highlight.
Guillermo Maripan: Chile – Copa America 2024
Even though Guillermo Maripan only featured once for Chile in the Copa America, as they were eliminated in group stage for the first time since 2004, he made it count by helping his team keep a clean sheet against a dangerous Canada, that contained Lille superstar forward Jonathan David, in his country’s last match.