Explore Matt Turner’s unconventional path to Arsenal and his insights on the USMNT’s World Cup experience and future goals.

LISBON, PORTUGAL - MARCH 09: Matt Turner of Arsenal FC thanks the supporters in the stands after the UEFA Europa League round of 16 leg one match between Sporting CP and Arsenal FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on March 9, 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
LISBON, PORTUGAL – MARCH 09: Matt Turner of Arsenal FC thanks the supporters in the stands after the UEFA Europa League round of 16 leg one match between Sporting CP and Arsenal FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on March 9, 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

Arteta’s influence on Turner’s development at Arsenal

Matt Turner has come a long way in his football career, and his experience at Arsenal has been a significant factor in his development.

Under manager Mikel Arteta, Turner believes he has become stronger, faster, and mentally sharper.

Turner credits Arteta’s demanding coaching style and the high-quality players around him for his growth. “I think playing under a manager like Mikel, who’s very demanding day in and day out has helped me,” Turner says.

“Being around really high-quality players, and … our team performing at a high level, seeing what it takes to succeed consistently at the pinnacle was really eye opening for me.”

Turner’s unconventional journey to football and Arsenal

Turner’s path to becoming Arsenal’s goalkeeper and the USMNT’s starter in the World Cup is far from traditional.

For a start, he only began playing football at 14 to stay in shape for basketball and baseball.

Initially a fill-in goalkeeper due to another player’s injury, Turner progressed from an MLS standout to a key player at Arsenal and the USMNT’s starting keeper.

Reflections on USMNT’s performance in the Qatar World Cup

In a recent interview with the Guardian, Turner also expresses a sense of hunger within the USMNT after their round of 16 loss to the Netherlands in the World Cup.

Despite achieving their main objectives of qualifying and reaching the knockout stages, Turner believes the team was capable of more: “I think for us, it’s clear. You know, having a core group of guys that were so close to doing something really spectacular … The hunger is there, you know, the drive is there. The passion is a lit fire that I imagine will be just growing and growing leading into ‘26.

Looking forward to the 2026 World Cup on home soil

As the USMNT had the second-youngest squad in Qatar, Turner is optimistic that core players will return more experienced and ready to perform better on home soil during the 2026 World Cup.

He emphasises the hunger, drive, and passion within the team, stating, “If you think about a large part of the guys who are in those battles, or fighting for playing time, whatever it is, a lot of them are still so young.

“Having these experiences and life experiences, they’re only going to help them … and help us as a country.

“Obviously in a perfect world, we’re all playing at top clubs around Europe, and we’re all playing in the Champions League,” he adds.

“But that’s not really a realistic sort of thing right now. But I think if you said 10 years ago that we’ll have this many players in the Premier League. People would have rolled their eyes.”

Overcoming challenges and growth for US players in Europe

Turner acknowledges the struggles American players face in Europe, including fighting for playing time and battling relegation.

However, he sees these challenges as growth and development opportunities for the USMNT: “Having these experiences and life experiences, they’re only going to help them … and help us as a country.”