Former US Men’s National Team goalkeeper Brad Friedel has claimed that Christian Pulisic and Matt Turner should switch clubs. In an exclusive discussion with Sporting Post, Friedel says that the duo’s lack of playing time is not good for their careers.
Both Pulisic and Turner essentially have backup roles at their current clubs.
Friedel says Pulisic has better chances, Turner needs playing time
“It’s about having too many players at Chelsea. Look who he’s 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 think you have to fight for your place and prove yourself. But if there’s not going to be opportunities, Christian is one of the biggest players in the US, so we want him to play consistently.”
“I have never spoken to him so I don’t know what he wants, if he 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 they tell him he’s in Chelsea’s plans and they offer him a new contract, or they sell him.”
“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, wasn’t exactly playing regularly even before the setback. In fact, the attacker made just seven starts in 23 combined Premier League and Champions League games this season. Pulisic is apparently not happy with his current role and would love to play more. A summer turnaround for the American seems highly likely.
Turner seems happy at Arsenal
Although Turner also doesn’t start many games 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 ranked high in the Europa League, for example.
However, Friedel says that the fellow goalkeeper should look elsewhere.
“Look at Matt’s competition for the national team spot,” Friedel continued. “He was number one then and he hasn’t played all this time, but Zack Steffen, who wasn’t playing for Manchester City, is now playing well for Middlesbrough.”
“They are potential promotion candidates and suddenly Zack is playing at a high level in the Championship and potentially the Premier League and he plays every week while Matt is on the bench. So you’re looking at another change in who is the number one goalie on the US national team.”
“I think Matt, whatever happens, even though Arsenal is an amazing club, he has to find consistent football somewhere. This season, fine, but if he’s not going to be number one, he has to go.”
Turner has played well in a limited time for Arsenal this season. The American has kept four clean sheets in six games in total during the current campaign. Despite Friedel’s comments, an imminent departure from Arsenal by Turner seems unlikely for now.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire
