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Arsenal backup goalkeeper Matt Turner enters the United States men’s national team training camp with a huge opportunity ahead of September friendlies against Japan and Saudi Arabia. After joining the Gunners during the summer, his mission was to earn minutes and ensure that he is in the best position possible to earn a starting role at the World Cup in Qatar.
Despite playing fewer games than expected due to Arsenal’s Europa League tie with PSV being postponed due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the 28-year-old will have an opportunity to take control of that starting role with Zack Steffen missing this camp due to a knee injury.
Turner moved overseas to to London and became a father all while joining a new club, but he’s taking this season of change and the challenges that come with it in stride. Speaking to reporters after USMNT training on Monday, Turner recalled a meeting he had with his goalkeeper coach as a moment where things began to click for him.
“Looking back then to now, the difference in the goalkeeper that I am is huge, and I’ve changed massively,” Turner said. “I’m looking forward to representing the country and having these opportunities to hopefully show everybody else as well.”
Working with world-class players at Arsenal has helped Turner grow in training every day to help put him into this situation. While at times they get the better of him, he also has raised his game to compete. Seeing internationals in attack the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard will do that for everyone as they’re on a different level than Turner’s New England Revolution teammates.
Listen below and follow In Soccer We Trust: A CBS Sports Soccer Podcast where three times a week your three favorite former USMNT players cover everything you could possibly want to know about the beautiful game in the United States.
While the transition to London has been a new…
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Source : cbssports
