The current crop of talented but shaky US keepers resides in Matt Turner, Ethan Horvath, Zack Steffen, Gabriel Slonina, Drake Callender, and Roman Celentano. All with their upsides but also glaring issues at the club level.

Here is a breakdown of what is going on with each USMNT goalkeeper and what could be next for each one of them as once again the USMNT number 1 spot looks to be up for grabs in the long term.

Matt Turner

A great shot stopper but woeful with his feet, Turner simply was not good enough to play at Arsenal and at Nottingham Forest showed that he is Premier League level, but clearly was never his manager’s first choice. Recently signed it will be up to Turner to regain his starting spot, after a good World Cup and some good Europa League matches with Arsenal, Turner has to make it work in a club like Nottingham Forest, it will be difficult for another Premier League club to take a gamble on a keeper who was not able to leverage having been at Arsenal.

Ethan Horvath

Nottingham’s third choice, behind Turner, it is really shocking to see there were no takers for Horvath who showed he can come up HUGE in big moments, for the USMNT and for his old club Luton Town. With a rumored move to MLS, it will be gut punch for a goalkeeper who has the level to be in Europe to have to start over in MLS, but yet before Brad Friedel moved to Liverpool, he played a year with the Columbus Crew. Ethan needs to start playing, especially when at times he has looked better than Turner with Luton Town.

Gabriel Slonina

The most talented keeper in the pool, Gabriel Slonina is making saves and showcasing his skills for a pretty poor Eupen side in Belgium. Slonina should be the heir apparent, but will Gregg Berhalter integrate a keeper who has the best skill set of any keeper in the pool? That remains to be seen, the Summer Olympics could be Gaga’s coming out party. The long-term reality is that Slonina should become the USMNT’s number one.

Drake Callender

The advantage of playing with Lionel Messi is all eyes are on you, Drake Callender was one of the few players that international media salvaged from a dreadful Inter Miami side before and since Messi’s arrival. Drake Callender knows how to make big saves, but at times is prone to being exposed by an Inter Miami defense that is amateur to comical at times. A move to Europe would benefit Callender in the long run and it will come if in 2024 he has a similar season and better numbers.

Roman Celentano

Not getting his credit is FC Cincinnati’s Roman Celentano, who had a solid season in MLS in 2023. Roman Celentano has been one of MLS’ best goalkeepers and was second in shutouts this season. At 23, Celentano could make a move to Europe soon and break through on a national team goalkeeper pool where spots 2 and 3 are up for grabs.

Zack Steffen

Left off of the 2022 World Cup roster because of rumors he would not have handled being on the bench under Turner, Zack Steffen’s club career is in limbo, with no place at Manchester City after huge blunders in his limited matches, a solid season at Middlesbrough did nothing for his World Cup chances, and even if he found a new club, it would most likely take a solid season before he gets back on the USMNT.

Turner would eventually not only become one of the premier goalkeepers in MLS but he would slowly find his place as the starter for the USMNT. Tuner would earn a shock transfer to Arsenal in 2022 for a fee of $6 million, and since his move to the Gunners has improved greatly, although he is a back-up keeper reduced to cup games.

Turner has been made the focus point of the marketing campaign to promote the yearly MLS All-Star game that will see the best players in Major League Soccer take on Arsenal on July 19th from Audi Field in Washington D.C.

Matt Turner teaches Arsenal teammates the basics of MLS

In a social media video published by MLS and Arsenal, Turner is giving teammates Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Martinelli some lessons on MLS Tifo, DC United, and fellow USMNT defender Walker Zimmerman.

The MLS All-Star game is a yearly event that has changed formats many times, at one point having a typical East vs West format, but for well over a decade has been a strong international club playing against the best of the league. The All- Star game will also have the extra ingredient that the MLS All-Stars are set to be coached by England legend and current DC United boss Wayne Rooney.

“I’ve had a front-row seat to watch the growth and development of Major League Soccer, first as a player and now as a manager,” Rooney stated to MLS’ official website. “The opportunity to lead the best our league has to offer against a top Premier League club like Arsenal will be a highlight for me personally and an unforgettable experience for our passionate fanbase here in D.C.”

While Manchester City keeper Zack Steffen at times seems to be the unquestioned USMNT number 1, his absence due to a back injury, opened the doors once again for Turner and for the first time in a long time, USMNT fans felt it was Kasey Keller and Brad Friedel all over again as pundits and fans know that Turner can get the job done.

Since 2021 Turner has 14 caps for the USMNT and has had very solid performances for club and country. Those performances caught the eye of an unlikely team… Arsenal of the Premier League and now a reported $6 million transfer is set to be placed for the netminder to join Arsenal in the summer. Here is more on Matt Turner, the latest American goalkeeper who is Premier League bound.

Matt Turner to Arsenal is latest jump of American goalkeepers to England

Matt Turner came on to the scene with little fanfare, born in New Jersey, Turner never played for the USMNT at the youth level, was not considered a top prospect when he went undrafted out of Fairfield University and signed with the New England Revolution in 2016 after a trail, and went on loan to affiliate club Richmond Kickers. It was none other than former U.S. goalkeeper Brad Friedel who gave Turner his big break in New England and since then the keeper has commanded the nets for one of the best teams in MLS at the moment.

At New England it has been all roses, Turner came off of his best season in 2020 being named team MVP, his teammates voted him the Revolution Player of the Year, and Revolution supporters group the Midnight Riders voted him the Midnight Riders Man of the Year.

At the international level in 2021 Turner took command of the USMNT goal and played in the 2021 Gold Cup, which the USMNT won, and started the team’s first five World Cup qualifiers before Steffen retook command of the starting position.

Arsenal will be getting a very good shot stopper and quick off his line goalkeeper, while Turner will most likely not be a starter at Arsenal, he could play in a few games like Steffen does at Manchester City, but unlike Turner, Steffen is being groomed to be a number 1 choice goalkeeper some day at City. Turner is a fighter, a player who was off the radar and has become one of the best goalkeepers in MLS, on the USMNT, and who knows maybe he can take command of a starting spot at Arsenal and defy the odds again. For Turner it’s a dream move.

The highly anticipated final between lifelong rivals, the United States and Mexico, was just the icing on the cake to wrap up a tournament that hogged the spotlight in July and concluded in the best possible way on August 1 in a packed Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Now that the competition is over, it’s a good time to reflect on everythingthe 2021 Gold Cup left, such as the best performances from the different players who stole the show over the last few weeks. Therefore, in Bolavip we set up the best XI and coach of the competition. Let’s take a look at it.

GK – Matt Turner (USA)

The New England Revolution‘s keeper faced a huge challengehaving to step up as the USMNT‘s starting goalkeeper in the 2021 Gold Cup, but heresponded remarkably well. To talk about the USA’s road to the finaland their subsequent title, we have to talk aboutMatt Turner‘s fantastic performances throughout the tournament.

He only conceded once in the way to the grand final and it wasn’t a meaningful one as it came in a 6-1 victory over Martinique. His other fiveclean sheets were crucial to help his side winning the tournamentas the USA won each of those games by 1-0.

RB – ShaqMoore (USA)

The Tenerife right-back had the opportunity to be among the starters in the USMNT lineup while Reggie Cannon wasn’t eligible, and he seized it. Shaq Moore proved to be a serious option for the A squad as he has been solid at the right flank both in 4-3-3 or 3-4-3 formations.

Moore’s highlight in the 2021 Gold Cup could be his early goal in the USA’s win over Canada in the final matchday of Group B, but his contribution to the team was way bigger than that specific action. Unfortunately, he was benched for the final, but he played a great tournament regardless.

CB – Miles Robinson (USA)

The hero of the final capped an outstanding participation in the tournament. One of the best takeaways for the USMNTfrom the 2021 Gold Cup was Miles Robinson‘s convincing performances throughout the whole tournament. The Atlanta United center-back has played every single minute on the road to the final and he was rock solid at the back to help the USA holding four clean sheets.

Robinson, 24, not only had a breakout level that helped his side making its way to the final but has also proven to be a serious option for the USA A-squad from now on. Berhalter said that one of the reasons why he took his B team to this tournament was to see where everybody stood. Well, Miles Robinson has responded perfectly, scored the winner in the grand final,and could be a dependable option for the long term.

CB – Hector Moreno (Mexico)

Some players do not seem to be affected by aging. Hector Moreno, at 33 years of age, has remarkably used his experience to lead Mexico to the 2021 Gold Cup final after sitting out the first two group matches.

Gerardo Martino has trusted in the veteran defender to step up when El Tri needed him the most, and he has certainly paid that confidence back. His worth became even clearer when he was forced off the final through injury, meaning a huge casualty for El Tri.

LB – Homam Ahmed (Qatar)

Asides from the two finalists, one of theteams that haveundoubtedly won recognitionin the 2021 Gold Cup was Qatar. The 2022 World Cup hosts have made a statement in their first-ever appearance in the Concacaf tournament and the 21-year-old Homam Ahmed was impressive at the left-back.

Ahmed played every single minute of Qatar’s Gold Cup campaign and has even got on the score sheet in their shocking win overHonduras on Group D’s Matchday 3 when he also provided an assist.

CM – Stephen Eustaquio (Canada)

Qatar’s introduction was clearly remarkable, but so was Canada‘s performance in the 2021 Gold Cup. In what has been an unforgettable journey for the Canucks, Stephen Eustaquio has also played a brilliant tournament on his own.

The Pacos Ferreira star has scored an impressive three goals in the competition, includinga stunning free-kick goal against Haiti on Matchday 2. Eustaquio has also helped Canada reachtheir first Gold Cup semis since 2007 by scoring one and providing an assist in the quarter-final matchup against Costa Rica.

CM – Hector Herrera (Mexico)

Arguably the biggest star in Mexico’s squad following Hirving Lozano‘s injury, Hector Herrera has been one of the most consistent players in El Tri’s campaign. The Atletico Madrid star didn’t hesitate to step up and be the leader his team needed at this competition, despite he couldn’t shine in the final.

Herrera, who wore the armband in three matches, has provided two assists in the group stage, but his best moment came in a crucial moment in the knockout round. When Mexico were struggling to beat Canada and the extra time seemed inevitable, Hector Herrera scored a last-gasp winner to fire his side to the grand final.

CM – Abdulaziz Hatem (Qatar)

Qatar were one of the most entertaining teams to watch in the 2021 Gold Cup due to their incredible performances and impressive results. Abdulaziz Hatem was one of the reasons why Qatar had such a strong run in the competition.

The central midfield has been influential in the team’s offense and also had no problem when defending. Hatem scored in three straight games helping Qatar to seal massive wins over Grenada, Honduras, and El Salvador.

RW – Akram Afif (Qatar)

Another standout from Qatar’s campaign was Akrim Afif, who had an immediate impact on Felix Sanchez Bas’ team. Hebegan the 2021 Gold Cup on the right foot scoring a goal and providing two assists in the 3-3 draw with Panama.

In the following match, he was once again on target against Grenada and set up another goal. Akram Afif arrived at the tournament as Qatar’s most valuable player, and after his impressive Gold Cup performances, his market value will probably keep on rising.

ST – Almoez Ali (Qatar)

Qatar’s performance in the 2021 Gold Cup not only has provided some of the best games in the tournament, but also many of its best players. Almoez Ali has completely stolen the show during the competition andwasthe 2021 Gold Cup top scorer.

The Al-Duhail player netted his first one against Panama in a six-goal thriller, then scored for the second game in a row in Qatar’s 4-0 win over Grenada, but his greatest moment came in the quarterfinals. Ali bagged a brace that proved to be crucial to beat El Salvador 3-2 in a hard-fought game.

LW – Orbelín Pineda (Mexico)

Mexico’s championship aspirations suffered a huge blow when Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano got injured on Matchday 1. ButOrbelín Pineda immediately filled in his shoes in a way that few could have expected.

The Cruz Azul winger’s stats in the 2021 Gold Cupspeak by themselves: three goals and one assist since stepping in to replace Lozano. Pineda scored and set up another goal in the 3-0 win over Guatemala, then netted one against Honduras, and opened the score against Canada in the semifinals.

Coach – Gregg Berhalter (USA)

He may have surprised and even upset American fans by not taking his A-team to the Gold Cup, leaving out the likes of Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, among others. But Gregg Berhalter‘s decisionstill paid off, winning a memorable 2021 Gold Cup with a B squad that proved to be way better than expected.

The USMNT has had to sweat in almost every gamebut got the job done. Beating lifelong rivals Mexico in the grand final was just the icing on the cake for a team that has won respect game after game and that not only achieved a coveted trophybut also brought optimism for the future. Berhalter is obviously a key reason for this success and now has a deep squad to keep on paving the way to the 2022 World Cup.

Honorable mentions

GK – Maxime Crepeau(Canada)

GK – Alfredo Talavera(Mexico)

CB – James Sands(USA)

LB – Sam Vines(USA)

CM – Edson Alvarez(Mexico)

RW – Tajon Buchanan(Canada)

CF – Matthew Hoppe(USA)

ST – Gyasi Zardes(USA)