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Nov 26, 2024 | 8:30 AM EST
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BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – MAY 15: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Chelsea, reacts during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea FC at American Express Community Stadium on May 15, 2024 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
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BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – MAY 15: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Chelsea, reacts during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea FC at American Express Community Stadium on May 15, 2024 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
“Goalkeeping to me is a massive concern,” bluntly remarked USMNT icon Landon Donovan, expressing doubt over the current roster’s reliability in guarding the sticks. His remark highlights a pressing issue for Mauricio Pochettino: finding a steadfast goalkeeper, especially with limited time left before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But luckily, the Argentine may have found a solution in Gabriel Slonina, who is determined to ‘make history with the U.S.’
The MLS star is volunteering himself to be the man that everyone can count on as he aims to eliminate any doubts surrounding the No. 1 spot. In fact, the 20-year-old American prospect has already sent a bold message to Pochettino and ardent USMNT fans, expressing his desire to take the starting role in the 2026 World Cup.
“I want to be the starting goalkeeper for the men’s national team. I think that’s a goal I’m gonna aim for,” Slonina confidently stated during his interview with CBS Sports alongside legendary USMNT goalkeeper Tony Meola, when asked about his aspirations for June 2026. Insisting on giving his everything to turn dreams into reality, Gabriel added, “I’m just gonna work my hardest to be the starting goalkeeper, be part of that squad, and make history with the U.S.”
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Notably, Slonina made his breakout in MLS with the Chicago Fire, where he played 43 games and kept 16 clean sheets before taking a gamble by moving to Chelsea in 2022. While primarily with the U21s, the 6’4″ goalkeeper had the opportunity to train during preseason with then-Blues manager Mauricio Pochettino before eventually making a move to Belgian side KAS Eupen. There, he made over 34 appearances and kept 5 clean sheets.
In the summer of 2024, Slonina embarked on another loan spell, this time with Championship side Barnsley. So far, he has made 14 appearances and kept 2 clean sheets. Additionally, Slonina gained international experience, starting as goalkeeper in the U-20 World Cup, where he kept four clean sheets.
Can Gabriel Slonina be the savior USMNT needs, or is he just another overhyped prospect?
Debate
For a 20-year-old, Slonina’s resume does sound good, let alone his confidence in guarding the sticks for his nation ahead of the prestigious tournament. Either way, the USMNT is in luck, considering a few of its icons aren’t impressed with the current goalie situation!
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Starting with Landon Donovan, the former forward expressed his discontent over the USMNT’s current goalie pool, and vocally insisted that not a single called-up star has been consistent in his books. “We don’t have anyone playing at a high level consistently right now that I would say is absolutely just said, ‘This is my spot,’” he said.
Likewise, the biggest criticism isn’t just aimed at the entire goalkeeping pool but at Matt Turner specifically. When evaluating USMNT players, Charlie Davies gave Turner a flat ‘F’ for his lack of domestic playing time since joining Crystal Palace. “You’re 30 years old as a goalkeeper, it’s a fail, it’s an F. You don’t have time to waste. You are a backup. It’s a horrible move,” Davies slammed Turner.
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CINCINNATI, OH – JUNE 01: Matt Turner of USA / United States of America celebrates the first goal during an international friendly between United States of America / USA and Morocco at TQL Stadium on June 1, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)
Tim Howard, on the other hand, rather advocated for Atlanta United goalie Brad Guzan to replace Turner. When sharing his thoughts on other overlooked goalkeepers who could fit well under Pochettino, Howard stated, “If we had one game to win, I’d play Brad Guzan.”
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Clearly, neither of these US icons is impressed with how things are on the goalkeeping front. Perhaps Gabriel Slonina may turn things around until the 2026 World Cup.
Let the world know your perspective.
Debate
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