ORLANDO, Fla. — Matt Turner has found himself in a challenging situation, having started only one club match in the past eight months. This is far from the expectations he had when he made the move from Major League Soccer to the Premier League during the summer of 2022.
“In an ideal scenario, I would get my chance to play regularly again, establish a rhythm, and gain the trust of my manager to ensure I’m the preferred choice,” the American goalkeeper expressed before the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal against Jamaica on Thursday. “For now, I’m focused on what I can control and staying persistent.”
Turner, who was the primary goalkeeper for the United States during the 2022 World Cup and this year’s Copa America, started in goal for the American national team under Mauricio Pochettino in two recent friendlies—achieving a 2-0 win against Panama and a 2-0 defeat against Mexico.
At the age of 30, Turner transitioned from the New England Revolution to Arsenal but only managed seven appearances in his debut season with the Gunners. This included five matches in the Europa League and two in the FA Cup.
He was loaned to Nottingham Forest for the 2023-24 season, where he initially began as the starting goalkeeper. However, after conceding goals deemed avoidable in matches against Tottenham, Manchester United, and Arsenal, he lost his spot. Currently, he’s on loan at Crystal Palace, serving as a backup to Dean Henderson. Turner’s recent debut for Palace in a 2-1 League Cup victory over Aston Villa marked his first club appearance since February 28.
“Making my debut for Palace was significant because Oliver Glasner, our manager, emphasized that the opportunity was earned and not handed to me,” Turner remarked. “That acknowledgment boosted my confidence in my training and preparations.”
During Pochettino’s first national camp with the U.S. team last month, he noted that coaches are concerned when athletes aren’t getting regular playing time and highlighted the necessity for players to engage in club environments that offer consistent action.
“I have faced situations like this multiple times where regular playing time is elusive, but I take pride in my daily approach,” Turner stated. “My wife understands the importance of preparing for every match as if I were the starting goalkeeper, ready for when I’m called upon.”
Despite the challenges, Turner is not looking to return to MLS just yet. “I’m not there yet,” he insisted. “I believe I can perform at the level I’m currently competing at; it’s about finding the right opportunities and consistency where I feel at ease.”
Zack Steffen, who did not make the World Cup roster after starting six qualifiers, has returned to MLS this year, securing 33 starts for Colorado after limited action in the Premier League over the past four and a half years with Manchester City.
Turner also commended the perseverance of Atlanta United’s 40-year-old goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who made his way back to MLS after spending over eight years in England. Guzan managed to bounce back from a severe Achilles injury that sidelined him for most of the 2022 season and played a pivotal role in Atlanta’s recent playoff victory, eliminating Lionel Messi’s Miami team.
“It’s inspiring to see someone like Brad, especially at his age, continue to fight back after such an injury when many would consider retiring,” Turner remarked. “It reinforces the idea that it’s possible for a goalkeeper to keep playing well into their 40s, which has always been my aspiration.”