Zavier Gozo embraces challenge of earning a place at Crystal Palace
Zavier Gozo has moved from Real Salt Lake to Crystal Palace, trading a regular role in Major League Soccer for the challenge of earning minutes in the Premier League. The 20-year-old American says Palace’s coaching staff are committed to developing him, and that adapting to a more demanding environment is part of reaching the highest level.
The move follows a rapid change in fortunes: Gozo was left out of the United States’ World Cup squad in May, but made his senior international debut about a week before the interview. He had never lived outside Utah before moving to London. Palace’s recent trophies, European football and reputation for developing attacking players helped attract him, while compatriot Chris Richards is a familiar face at the club.
- Gozo has moved from Utah to London to join Crystal Palace.
- He is working to earn more Premier League minutes.
- His first senior US cap came after missing the World Cup squad.
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Zavier Gozo is a 20-year-old American footballer who has signed for Crystal Palace from Real Salt Lake. He moves from Major League Soccer, where he featured regularly, to the Premier League, where he must compete for a regular place in the team.
The transfer represents an ambitious step in his career, as the Premier League is one of the world's most demanding football leagues. Crystal Palace attracted him through their record of developing attacking players and their involvement in European competition, whilst his American teammate Chris Richards is already established at the club.
Gozo's move comes after a notable development in his international career: he was omitted from the United States' World Cup squad in May but earned his senior international debut shortly afterwards. This transfer marks his first move away from Utah.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Zavier Gozo: ‘You have to be uncomfortable to get to the highest levels’”.