Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner used the 2022 Qatar World Cup in the best possible way to showcase his quality in between the sticks. The USA shot-stopper featured in all four of his nation's World Cup fixtures, keeping two clean sheets.
Turner, 28, was deployed as Gregg Berhalter's No. 1 throughout the tournament ahead of Nottingham Forest's Ethan Horvath (currently on loan at Luton Town) and New York City's Sean Johnson. The goalkeeper kept a clean sheet against England in the second group game before helping his country progress through Group B with a 1-0 victory over Iran.
Unfortunately for Turner, his tournament journey came to an end yesterday afternoon when Cody Gakpo and the Netherlands secured their quarter-final place with a 3-1 win. Despite the loss, Turner has reaped plenty of praise in his home land and has been encouraged to push for a move away from the Emirates Stadium.
READ MORE: Arsenal wonderkid set to be handed instant shot at redemption after nightmare debut
Turner faces tough competition to rise in Mikel Arteta's pecking order in north London with Aaron Ramsdale nailed on to continue in goal and former USMNT coach Bruce Arena has urged Turner to leave the Gunners to ensure he doesn't lose his place for his country.
“Matt can’t be at fault for the three goals against and made several great saves in the second half to keep the US alive in the game. Like the team, this was the first time he was truly tested at the World Cup,” he told MLS Soccer.
“Now, Matt’s going to fall in line with the likes of Brad Friedel and Kasey Keller one day. He has to move out of Arsenal to start playing on a regular basis, but he’s proven himself to be a very good goalkeeper for the US.”
READ NEXT:
Gabriel Jesus best and worst case injury scenario revealed with Arsenal set to make announcement
Bukayo Saka set to start for England vs Senegal as Foden or Rashford face World Cup omission
Virgil van Dijk hands Mikel Arteta £43.5m Arsenal transfer boost with brutal Man United dig
Arsenal news: Gabriel Jesus suffers major World Cup blow as 'lucrative' Bayern Munich offer made
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium