Brad Friedel has told countryman Matt Turner he is ‘too good to be sitting on the bench’ at Arsenal.
United States international Turner joined the Gunners from New England Revolution during the summer in a $10million [£8.9m] deal, but has been a clear back-up.
The 28-year-old goalkeeper has been utilised as Mikel Arteta’s No.2 in between the sticks, limited to starts just in the Europa League where he’s played four of five group games, even recording an assist.
But in the Premier League, Turner has little chance of making it on the pitch with England international Aaron Ramsdale the undisputed first choice.
That makes things complicated for Turner, who started the USA’s last two friendly matches before the World Cup, and is competing for the starting berth with Middlesbrough’s Zack Steffen.
Former US No.1 Friedel was asked about Turner’s move, and told Fair Betting Sites: “Time will tell if it’s the right decision.
“When you’re in Major League Soccer, this is what I’ll say – it’s hard to turn down a club like Arsenal coming in for you.
“But when you move and you’re as good as Matt Turner, I’d like to think that you would move and you’re being told that you were going to be the number one, which obviously wasn’t the case at Arsenal.
“Matt’s a heck of a nice guy and a heck of a good goalkeeper.
“I don’t know what kind of deal they have with Arsenal or what, but I hope if he’s not in the team, or doesn’t look like he’s going to get near the team, then they would allow him to leave or go on loan.
“I personally think he’s too good of a goalkeeper to be sitting on the bench.”
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