Matt Turner wants to push Aaron Ramsdale to become the best keeper he can be when he completes his move to Arsenal next week.
The American is due to play his final game for New England Revolution tomorrow evening against Minnesota United and will then fly to England in time for the start of the Gunners’ pre-season camp.
While the 28-year-old accepts he’ll arrive in London as a back-up, he’s hoping his experience will prove useful in the dressing room.
On being pitched as an understudy, Turner told Sky Sports: “I can see why they’d assess it that way. Aaron had an amazing season for Arsenal and played well all year.
“I’d agree with it for now. I’m coming in to push him and become the best goalkeeper I can become, while also making him the best goalkeeper he can become. That’s really my goal for it all.
He added: “The project they have going on there, [I want to be] an important part of the locker room, adding some experience – not a ton of Premier League experience – but national team experience, league experience and playing games in pressured environments. I’ll be an older head in the locker room, being 28.”
In an interview with The Athletic at the start of the month, Turner spoke openly about his need to improve his passing game. It’s a theme he returned to.
“Definitely, the DNA of this team is possession-based and I believe that’s what they will expect from me when I get on the pitch,” he said.
“It’s the area of my game that some call a weakness but one where I’ve improved over the past few months. I’m connecting a few more passes, reading the game better and understanding the way I can hurt teams a lot better.
“We don’t play that [passing] style in New England but when I go with the national team, we do. When I have extended periods with the national team, I read the game better and make more passes.
“I’m excited to be at Arsenal to do that every single day instead of two or three weeks here or there.”
So he’s hoping for a Turner-ound in the number 1 slot.
*checks pockets* Now where did I put my ticket for the cloakroom…?
Backup Turner Overdrive
He does have nice bright blue eyes, that Turner. Turneround, bright eyes!
I’m really aging myself with the BTO and Bonnie Tyler references, and no, I’m still not getting my coat, and neither should you, Johnny.
Honestly, I don’t see why his name Matt-ers that much.
Surely not mentioning Bernd is a bit disrespectful
He will have been told that Leno’s on his way out and that he’d be no.2
It’s one thing being no.2 at a club with Euro football, but no.3 would be a real career killer. I doubt he would have come if he didn’t have confirmation Leno was leaving
Maybe he’s been briefed on Arsenal’s worst kept secret, that Leno is on his way out? Would make sense that he’s been made aware of something every gunner and his dog knows.
As an American fan, I was a little skeptical when I first saw this transfer but I’m getting more and more excited to see him play. I’ve liked the look of him in the USA games this past year. One specific instance against Morocco he was exceptional with his feet. High hopes.
Let’s hope opponents don’t wipe their feet on Matt!
Bit of a punt but American keepers are reasonably good by reputation I suppose.
While primarily (by far) an Arsenal fan, I’m a season ticket holder to the NE Revolution for the past 25 years. At today’s MLS match vs. Minnesota, Turner was feted by the club in his last appearance (non-playing.) He was very popular both with his teammates and with the fans. It will be interesting to see how this turns out. As a player, I agree with those who note his excellent shot stopping skills- his hands, in particular, are very strong. His physique is not particularly imposing, but he’s stronger in the box than one might assume. His passing skills… Read more »
Sorry. Hit ‘post’ too soon.
So the big question is how he can adjust to a new country/culture, and a super competitive league. Confidence is so important in making the transition, and it doesn’t take much to lose it. Hopefully, the attributes he’s displayed so far will carry him further.
Turner is going to fit in just fine at Arsenal: https://twitter.com/NERevolution/status/1538703631821709312