MY ACCOUNT
Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner says he feels no pressure to replicate Aaron Ramsdale as the USMNT shot stopper pushes to assert his place with the Gunners.
The 28-year-old joined Mikel Arteta’s side from New England Revolution ahead of the 2022-23 campaign, but has so far been restricted in his minutes by the superb performances of his team-mate.
England hopeful Ramsdale has kept four clean sheets in the top-flight this term, a figure only exceeded by Three Lions team-mate Nick Pope with Newcastle United and Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson.
His form has helped Arsenal emerge as title contenders, leading the Premier League ahead of champions Manchester City – but Turner says he does not feel as if he must mimic the former Sheffield United man to improve.
“I definitely don’t feel any pressure,” he stated. “He’s his own person. He approaches the game the way he does. Before games, I like to take time, just be mindful.
“Most of my banter comes with Aaron. It’s just normal banter like you would have with anybody. It’s America versus England, the Revolutionary War, stuff like that. That’s more me joking about it!”
The duo are in line to potentially meet at the Qatar 2022 World Cup later this year in Group B, with both men expected to be included when England and the USMNT announce their squads.
Turner’s lack of match-time in domestic competition has presented Gregg Berhalter with a potential headache over his inclusion, though his rich form in the Europa League should dash any doubts over his place.
Either way, the shot stopper is unconcerned about his inclusion, and says he can only support whatever eventual call is made by his international boss.
“I’m just focused on what I can control and what I have before me,” he added. “I think I’m in a good position to play at the World Cup.
“But at the end of the day, if Gregg decides than Zach [Steffen] is the way forward, I stand behind the decisions that he makes. Obviously I want to play. But you can only control so much.”
