Former United States Men’s National Team goalkeeper Brad Friedel has claimed that Christian Pulisic and Matt Turner should change clubs. In an exclusive discussion with Sporting Post, Friedel says lack of playing time for the duo isn’t good for their careers.
Both Pulisic and Turner essentially have backup roles with their current clubs.
Friedel says Pulisic has better opportunities, Turner needs game time
“It goes back to having too many players at Chelsea. Look at who he is up against,” Friedel said of Pulisic. “I’m not one of those people who says someone should leave if they’re not playing because I believe you need to fight for your place and prove your worth. But if there aren’t going to be opportunities, Christian is one of the most important players for USA so we’re going to want him to be playing consistently.”
“I’ve never spoken to him so I don’t know what he wants, whether wants to stay and fight for his place or if he wants a new challenge. It’s going to be one of those summers where either he is told he is in Chelsea’s plans and they offer him a new deal, or he gets sold.”
“Looking at things I’m thinking it’s probably the latter and we’ll see him somewhere else which could be good for him to play consistently.”
Pulisic is currently sidelined with a knee injury. The USMNT star, however, was not exactly playing regularly even before the setback. In fact, the attacker made just seven starts out of 23 combined Premier League and Champions League fixtures this season. Pulisic is seemingly unhappy with his current role and would love to play more. It appears very likely that a summer switch will happen for the American.
Turner appears happy at Arsenal
Although Turner is also not starting many matches for Arsenal, his situation is a bit different. Aaron Ramsdale is the clear number one at the club and Turner seems happy with his current role. He featured prominently in the Europa League, for example.
Nevertheless, Friedel says that the fellow goalkeeper should look elsewhere.
“Look at Matt’s competition for the national team spot,” Friedel continued. “He was the number one then and he’s gone all this time without playing, but Zack Steffen, who wasn’t getting a game at Manchester City, is now playing well for Middlesbrough.”
“They are possible promotion candidates and all of a sudden with Zack playing at a high level in the Championship and potentially in the Premier League and he’s playing every week whilst Matt is on the bench. Then you’re looking at another change in who is the number one keeper for the U.S. national team.”
“I think that Matt, no matter what, even though Arsenal are an incredible club, has to find consistent football somewhere. This season, fine, but if he’s not going to be the number one he has got to go.”
Turner has played well in limited time with Arsenal this season. The American has kept four clean sheets in six total matches during the current campaign. Despite Friedel’s comments, an imminent departure from Arsenal by Turner seems unlikely for now.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire
