Arsenal player earned praise as “perhaps the only positive” from the United States’ latest international match.
The Gunners summer signing was in between the sticks for the USMNT in their friendly against Japan in Dusseldorf.
Turner joined Arsenal for a reported £7.5m as second-choice behind Aaron Ramsdale, and has made one appearance so far.
Admittedly, it wasn’t the best of debuts as he looked a bit shaky in the Europa League win over FC Zurich.
However, Turner stood out for the United States in their 2-0 loss to Japan.
It was a poor display from the USMNT, and the 28-year-old Gunners man stopped the scoreline from becoming a rout.
The MLS Soccer website gave Turner a 6.5 out of 10 – the highest rating amid a sea of 2.5s, 3s and 3.5s.
‘Whatever else happened against Japan, Matt Turner may have just earned a starting spot,’ they wrote.
‘Without the Arsenal shot-stopper, the US could have conceded three. Or four. Or more
‘The 2021 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year stood on his head and wasn’t at fault for either of Japan’s goals, making six saves and standing out as perhaps the only positive from the match.’
‘The U.S. had Turner to thank’
Meanwhile, ESPN listed Turner’s performance as one of its three main talking points.
‘Has Turner claimed claimed the U.S.’s No. 1 shirt?’ they asked.
ESPN explained: ‘The U.S. had Turner to thank for going into halftime with just a one-goal deficit.
‘In particular his save from Kamada when he was clear through on goal in the 13th minute following giveaway from Walker Zimmerman was impressive.
‘He also commanded his box well and made the routine saves he was supposed to make.
‘The only complaint was Turner’s distribution in some cases, in which his contact and accuracy with the ball was subpar.
‘He’ll need to sharpen that up in the remaining weeks ahead of the World Cup.
‘Was it enough to push his nose in front in the battle for the starting goalkeeper spot?
‘One would have to think so, but Berhalter has long had a soft spot for Zack Steffen.
‘It likely won’t be until November that we know this answer for certain.’
‘Could have been much worse’
Finally, 90Min named the Arsenal keeper their USMNT man of the match.
‘There was very little Matt Turner could do about either Japanese goal and the Arsenal goalkeeper often looked a little nervous on the ball,’ they wrote.
‘However, that can partly be blamed by a lack of movement and cohesion in front of him and, in truth, the scoreline could have been much worse for the United States without Turner’s efforts.
‘The 28-year-old ended Friday’s match with six saves under his belt – including three from shots inside the box – while he recovered possession 11 times.’
