Gozo says discomfort is key to reaching the top

Zavier Gozo, the American midfielder who joined Crystal Palace last summer, told The Guardian that leaving the familiarity of Utah for the hustle of London has been a deliberate step out of his comfort zone. “You have to be uncomfortable to get to the highest levels,” he said, referring to the challenges of adapting to a new country, language and style of play.

The 25‑year‑old’s journey to the Premier League began at Real Salt Lake, where he made his professional debut and spent several seasons. In May, a day after learning he was not among Mauricio Pochettino’s 26‑man World Cup squad, Gozo reflected on the setback as a catalyst for his move to Europe.

Since arriving at Selhurst Park, Gozo has worked to translate his technical strengths into regular first‑team minutes. He acknowledges that competition for places is fierce, but he believes the discomfort of competing against seasoned internationals will sharpen his game.

Looking ahead, Gozo is focused on earning a consistent role at Palace and hopes his progression will inspire other American players considering a leap to the Premier League. Readers can find match highlights and further coverage on this site.