The USA international has opened up on his future at Selhurst Park during the early days of the international break.
Crystal Palace goalkeeper Matt Turner is at risk of losing his starting berth for the USA men’s national team with a lack of minutes at Selhurst Park and has admitted that ‘change’ may be needed at club level.
The 30-year-old is in line to be the main man between the sticks for the USA for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but is now facing competition from Colorado Rapids star Zack Steffen and Columbus Crew shot-stopper Patrick Schulte. Turner has played just 360 minutes this season on loan at Crystal Palace from Nottingham Forest with none of those outings coming in the Premier League.
Turner is currently set to return to Nottingham Forest this summer, where he is out of favour, and seems aware of regular playing time. In an interview, he appeared to hint at that, which would suggest not returning to Crystal Palace permanently and pushing for an exit from The City Ground.
Matt Turner aware Crystal Palace situation ‘not ideal’
Turner said: “Obviously, my club situation isn't ideal right now. But given every opportunity that I have to play the utmost importance and trying to put good performances together, string a few good performances together, and just control what I can right now, and then let the chips fall where they may.
“I think obviously whenever I come to the national team, I want to play. I want to put the crest on and have the responsibility of being the number one, but at the same time, I understand that my club situation right now isn't the best, so I have to maybe make some changes in that department if I want to play more consistently. But again, if I just continue to control the things that I can and play well when I have the chance with the U.S. I'll be happy with the hat I can put into the ring.”
Those comments came after USA boss Mauricio Pochettino announced his 23 man squad and admitted that the starting berth in goal is still up in the air. The former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur boss said:“I believe the competition is always open.
“It's good to see as many goalkeepers as possible and it depends not only on their form but what they can convey on and off the pitch. We had a good opportunity in January to see how the others are doing.
“The other two are in good form and it's a very good competition against Matt, who up until now has been the starter when he's available. But the competition is open.”
USA international labelled ‘phenomenal’ by Arsenal boss
Turner’s experience does stand him in a stronger position over his USA competition with 99 MLS appearances before moving to Arsenal in 2022. He’s gone on to play 17 times in the Premier League and has made appearances in Europa League while with the Gunners too.
It was after one of those European matches that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta heaped praise on the player. Speaking after a win against Bodo/Glimt in 2022, the Spaniard said: “He was much better in the first half than in the second half in my opinion. We could have had some more control.
“But I think he was phenomenal in the goal in situations especially when defending the area in behind the centre halves, and in the one-against-one situations he was really good.”
In other news, Jean-Philippe Mateta has opened up on his Millwall horror injury and admitted the first thing he said after hitting the turf.