Charlie Davies: DeJuan Jones “Really showed well” for USA at Gold Cup
Coming off a run to the Gold Cup semifinals with the U.S. Men’s National Team, DeJuan Jones is back with the New England Revolution ahead of the team’s second home game in four days tonight when D.C. United comes to Foxborough. Charlie Davies joined DJ Bean for his weekly segment on The Soccer Show to share his perspective on Jones’ performance with the United States during the tournament.
“I think DeJuan Jones really showed well and put himself in a good light considering there’s not much cover for Antonee Robinson,” Davies said. “Now, he’s in the conversation, which is all you can do as a player. Now for the matches with the New England Revolution, you have to continue to build off that foundation.”
Former Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner started each Gold Cup match and captained the United States. With his continued rise since his move to England, Bean asked Davies if Turner would be better off trying to find a starting role rather than remaining with Arsenal.
“It’s a difficult question, because even though he didn’t play as much as you’d want, just being in that environment with a team that was competing for the Premier League title for three quarters of the year is a phenomenal spot to be in as the number two,” Davies said. “You got to play Europa League matches, got to play in a couple of cup matches. I think that growth curve is huge.”
Arsenal, who will bring its club to American soil for a series of exhibition matches, starting with next Wednesday’s 2023 MLS All-Star Game in Washington D.C., is set to play in several tournaments outside of its league campaign next season. That could potentially create more playing time for Turner. However, Davies admits these crucial decisions can be a fork in the road for the former Revolution goalkeeper.
“This next year, they are going to be in more competitions. They are in Champions League, you have the FA Cup, Carabao Cup. They’re one injury away from him being the starting goalkeeper, so as much as you want to leave, there’s a big part of you that’s saying, ‘Hey, stay.’”
You can hear Davies every Saturday on The Soccer Show and during most Revolution matches on The Sports Hub’s radio broadcast. For tonight’s game, catch Charlie on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV when the Revolution take on D.C. United at 7:30 p.m. Tune into 98.5 The Sports Hub to hear the radio call from Brad Feldman and Clyde Simms.
