Matt Turner is the MLS’s top American-born goalkeeper and was runner-up to Jamaican international Andre Blake of the Philadelphia Union as MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in November.
According to Matt Doyle, an analyst at Armchair who calls the 26-year-old the best shot stopper in MLS history, the star of the New England Revolution has reached an even higher status.
“I’ve watched MLS from day one and he’s the best shot stopper I’ve ever seen in this league,” he said on Extratime. “He just is. He doesn’t make mistakes. It saves a lot, it stays great. “
Behind Turner on Doyle’s list? The legendary Tim Howard, who began his MLS career with the then MetroStars before moving to Manchester United and Everton in the Premier League and ending at the Colorado Rapids. “Tim Howard was absolutely absurd, but the difference is that as a young player Tim Howard was more prone to error than Turner. I think this kid’s advantage is being a starter in a top premier league club.
“Now he might not get there because things are happening, but the eye test, advanced stats, and box score stats are all the same if you really want to take a look at what Matt Turner did.”
The most recent example of Turner’s heroics as a gun stopper was his US men’s national team’s debut in a 7-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago in Orlando on Sunday when Turner dived right to deny Alvin Jones from the penalty spot he was on hit history again.
⏮ on this penalty except for Matt Turner on Sunday.
Say all of our research available @HeaddTurnerr is the first modern goalkeeper to save a penalty in his game #USMNT Debut.
Keep it up, Matt! 👊🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Mlo38vMwAX
– US Soccer MNT (@USMNT) February 3, 2021
Turner, who has a Lithuanian passport and has sparked some European interest, signed a contract extension with the Revs on January 19th. This is a reward for a job well done, but also an ongoing deal for a goalkeeper who hasn’t been drafted.
“It was an easy decision for me to stay here and continue to prove myself in this league,” said Turner. “Whether I signed a new contract or didn’t sign a new contract, a European transfer would require a purchase. For me to get more money Bruce [Arena] to reward a player who deserves it. He showed me that I played well and made more money. “
