Zavier Gozo: Embracing Discomfort on the Path to Greatness
Zavier Gozo’s life has taken a dramatic turn since May. Just a few months ago, he faced disappointment after missing out on Mauricio Pochettino’s World Cup roster, having recently made his last appearance for Real Salt Lake, the club he grew up with.
Fast forward to today, and Gozo finds himself in London, trading the familiar landscapes of Utah for the vibrant life of the Premier League. He’s not only getting crucial minutes but also recently celebrated his first cap with the senior US men’s national team.
"It’s a big change to go from Utah to London," he said, with a hint of understatement, lounging comfortably in a hotel lobby in downtown Minneapolis, decked out in shorts and a cozy hoodie.
One of the silver linings in this transition is the presence of his new international teammate, Chris Richards. Since joining Crystal Palace in 2022, Richards has solidified his role as a key player on both club and country fronts, and it seems he’s made a young fan in Gozo’s daughter as well.
But it wasn’t just the familiarity of a teammate that drew Gozo to Palace. "I think I knew more about them than maybe the average player," he explained, highlighting their recent successes in the FA Cup, the Community Shield, and the Conference League. "They’re on a good run and have been competitive in Europe."
Gozo’s decision was also influenced by Palace’s impressive track record of fostering talent, particularly wingers and forwards. With a successful academy and a reputation for developing players, it felt like the right fit for Gozo’s aspirations.
On the pitch, he’s shown no signs of hesitance. In MLS, he dazzled with a stunning curler against Atlanta and a spectacular self-volley against Kansas City. Now, he’s stepping into the world’s most competitive league, fighting for a spot on the bench.
"The coaching staff believes in me and wants to develop my talent," Gozo remarked. "It’s a perfect environment to learn while being challenged. You have to adjust your game when you move up levels, and sometimes that can shake your confidence. But you have to embrace that discomfort to reach your potential."
Leaving behind the familiar connection with fans in Salt Lake City, Gozo now feels the weight of expectations that come with a big-money transfer. "It’s different; you don’t have that instant connection. You want to create that bond by performing well and bringing joy to the fans," he said.
So far, he’s made three appearances from the bench for Palace, getting a taste of the intensified pace of play. Those defenders he used to toy with in MLS are now backed by teammates, and the space he once found easily is now a rare commodity.
As he looks to improve, Gozo focuses on physicality and using his body effectively to either shield the ball or draw a foul. "It’s about knowing when to take one touch or two, or when to drive forward," he noted.
Mastering these skills is crucial not just for his club ambitions but also for securing his place in Pochettino’s revamped US squad. During the recent international window, Gozo made his debut alongside a wave of new talent, including fellow wingers Cavan Sullivan and Mathis Albert, as he logged nearly half an hour against Peru.
Though he’s new to the senior team, Gozo’s journey is just beginning, and he’s ready to embrace every challenge that comes his way.
