Crystal Palace has played 22 games so far in their 2024/25 campaign across all competitions. But do you know how many of them Matt Turner has been involved in? Just one. Shocking, right? Well, call it unfortunate, but that’s how it’s been for the USMNT superstar on the domestic front. In fact, would you believe that his situation is similar to the past USWNT days?

At least Jimmy Conrad thinks so. The former American defender didn’t hesitate to draw such parallels on the latest episode of CBS Sports Golazo’s Call it What You Want podcast. Discussing how Turner has barely played on the domestic front, Conrad pointed out that seeing the 30-year-old only lacing up his boots for his nation reminds him of the past days when the American women had little to participate in domestically, apart from representing the red, white, and blue.

“It’s like old school US Women’s National Team when they didn’t have a league to play in so they just played like 3,000 US Women’s National Team games and didn’t have really any club stuff. But that’s Matt Turner at the moment. We’re getting more reps with his national team,” acknowledged Conrad to fellow co-hosts and former USMNT stars, ex-goalie Tony Meola and ex-forward Charlie Davies.

For context, since arriving at Crystal Palace on loan from Nottingham Forest in the summer, Turner’s first appearance came in late October, when he helped his new club secure a 1-2 win over Aston Villa in the EFL Cup fourth round—a competition the Eagles are no longer in after losing 3-2 to Arsenal in the quarterfinals.

Turner may now try to compete for a spot in the Premier League, though that seems unlikely, as Dean Henderson is expected to keep his place at Palace. Meanwhile, the former Arsenal goalkeeper continues to receive call-ups for every international window. This situation has been seen as ironic, given that Mauricio Pochettino himself has emphasized the importance of club playing time to earn a spot on the national team.

“A manager is always worried when their players have few minutes with their clubs. I believe it’s a handicap that needs to be corrected,” the Argentinian remarked. No wonder it saw the former Tottenham manager face scrutiny over this.

Mauricio Pochettino questioned for cutting Matt Turner some slack for the USMNT spot!

In the same segment, Charlie Davies subtly questioned Mauricio Pochettino as to why the Argentinian tactician is still favoring a rather domestically out-of-favor player. Ever since joining as the USMNT boss, the former Chelsea boss has called up Matt Turner, making it clear in the eyes of Davies that Pochettino ‘trusts’ the Nottingham Forest loanee and even backs him as the USA No. 1.

“You could see it in every damn game. Matt Turner plays, he’s the first cheerleader to go, and something that could be so simple and basic that not in a million years would a European coach go, ‘Yeah, great job Matt.’ He’s making it a point to say, ‘Hey, I’m back, I’m with you, I’m giving you that confidence’,” said Davies. However, this is something that the former forward-turned-pundit is completely against as he added, “No, it ain’t a good thing. It’s the reality.”

Clearly, the former USMNT striker is frustrated with Pochettino’s support for Turner, despite the goalkeeper’s limited role at his current domestic club. Regardless, his situation doesn’t look promising, and we’d love to hear your thoughts on it.

Sound off in the comments.