Zavier Gozo, a 19-year-old winger recently transferred to English Premier League club Crystal Palace, is focused on securing a spot on the United States men’s national team roster. This week marks his first call-up to the national team camp as the squad prepares for a match against Peru in Orlando, Florida.

Gozo, who spent the early part of his career with Real Salt Lake in Major League Soccer (MLS), views his move to Crystal Palace as a vital step in his development despite limited playing time so far. Since joining the Premier League side this summer, he has made only a handful of appearances off the bench and has yet to start a game. He acknowledges this was expected, emphasizing the challenge of transitioning from being a standout player in MLS to competing in one of the world’s most demanding leagues.

“Moving over there as quick as possible would be the best thing for me,” Gozo said prior to traveling with the national team. “Even if I’m not starting immediately, you don’t expect to go from MLS to the Premier League and start, win the Golden Boot or be the best player in the league. It was just about development for me and being in a high-level environment every day.”

Gozo described the adjustment as a humbling but necessary step, likening it to going from one of the best players on his MLS team to “being the worst player on the team again.” He remains optimistic that the experience at Crystal Palace will enhance his skills and increase his value to both his club and country.

Off the field, Gozo has found support in his new home in London through teammates and their families, helping ease the transition to life abroad. Notably, fellow U.S. international Chris Richards and his family live nearby, providing a sense of familiarity. Richards noted the connection between Gozo and his toddler daughter, who is “infatuated with him.”

Gozo expressed enthusiasm about joining the national team environment, describing it as “a mini family” and calling the opportunity “amazing.” He acknowledged the challenge of proving himself at the international level but expressed determination to compete for playing time.

With his club career in its early stages in England and his national team prospects on the rise, Gozo represents a promising young talent seeking to establish himself on both fronts. His approach reflects a long-term focus on growth amid the high expectations that accompany his rapid ascent through the ranks of American soccer.