Arsenal shot-stopper Matt Turner has recently become the fastest goalkeeper in USA history to reach 20 clean sheets on the international stage for the Stars and Stripes [via Arsenal Official Club Website].
Turner achieved his 20th clean sheet in a game against Trinidad and Tobago in a monumental 6-0 win on July 3rd. Additionally, the victory also saw the USMNT progress to the quarter-finals of the CONACAF Gold Cup.
There, the USA will play alongside teams such Jamaica, Honduras and 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar. In the quarter-finals, they could be drawn against any one of Canada, Guatemala or Guadeloupe.
Turner was the USA’s first-choice goalkeeper in the World Cup. At the tournament, he kept two clean sheets – one against Iran, with the other coming against England, both in the group stage of the competition.
Does Matt Turner deserve a run in the Arsenal first team?
Turner, for all his talents, is unfortunate to be playing deputy to Arsenal’s first-choice ‘keeper – Aaron Ramsdale. The former Sheffield United and AFC Bournemouth man was in inspired form last season – he played in every minute of 2022/23 Premier League campaign.
As strong of a goalkeeper as Turner is, it is difficult to look past Ramsdale at this stage. The England-capped shot-stopper has a complete skill set – not only does he possess cat-like reflexes, he also commands his area with an iron fist.
With this being said, no players are immune to lapses of poor form – especially goalkeepers. If Turner simply keeps biding his time and training well, there is no reason as to why he wouldn’t get a run of games if Ramsdale falls off the boil momentarily.
Matt Turner football career summary so far
Born in 1994, Turner spent his collegiate career at Fairfield Stags, before signing his first professional contract with the New England Revolution in 2016.
He went on to make 102 appearances for the Revolution, picking up plenty of plaudits along the way – he also spent a season out on loan with the Richmond Kickers in 2016/17.
In 2022, he was snapped up by Arsenal for a fee that could rise to just under £8 million. He has yet to make a Premier League appearance for the Gunners as of yet, however.
