Matt Turner Has Become The "Go-To Guy" For the USMNT
Auston Trusty on Matt Turner: "He's the man. He's the real deal."
Matt Turner has a knack for taking advantage of opportunities he’s earned.
It happened at Fairfield University when Turner went from backup to starter.
It happened with the New England Revolution when he rose from undrafted goalkeeper to the 2021 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year.
It happened with the U.S. Men’s National Team as he’s now cemented himself as the first-choice netminder.
Now, he’s looking to establish himself as a regular in the English Premier League.
“Matt, he’s the man. He’s the real deal,” Arsenal teammate Auston Trusty told The Blazing Musket. “He’s had his opportunities with the national team and he’s getting opportunities here and he’s taking advantage of every single one of them.”
Turner has had a busy summer with the national team.
In June, he led the USMNT to the CONCACAF Nations League title. Soon after, he participated in the U.S. Gold Cup. Although his team was eliminated in the semifinals, Turner gained notoriety for his performances to save penalties.
“He’s become that player for the national team that we can all rely on. He’s the go-to guy,” Trusty remarked.
Turner’s aptness to consistently make big saves is what makes him an elite player.
It’s only a matter of time that he proves it in Europe.
Would love to see him get a chance to prove it in Europe. But unfortunately don't see him really getting much playing time with his current situation unless there's a big injury ahead of him. Do you see any danger of him missing out on further advancement? Or see him trying to go to a new club soon? I fear his skills and sharpness may erode the longer he is a backup, and take longer to get back to his peak. Even at the national level it's hard to stay at the top if you're getting limited playing time at the club level. Eventually I feel lack of quality playing time will hurt him.