Zavier Gozo: ‘You have to be uncomfortable to get to the highest levels’

Crystal Palace’s American import had never lived anywhere but Utah before moving to London. Now, he’s aiming for more Premier League minutes Much has changed in Zavier Gozo’s life since May. Back then, Gozo was a day removed from learning that he wasn’t among Mauricio Pochettino’s 26 selections for the World Cup, having just made what proved to be his third-to-last appearance with boyhood club Real Salt Lake. Gozo had only ever lived in Utah at that point. He would watch the World Cup from home, where he lived with his mother. Today, less than five months later, he lives half a world away, is getting Premier League minutes and, as of a week ago, his first cap with the senior US men’s national team.

“It’s a big change to go from Utah to London,” said this master of understatement, stationed on a sofa in the lobby of the team’s downtown Minneapolis hotel in shorts, slippers, and a pristine white hoodie. He has joined a familiar face there, at least, in his new international teammate – Chris Richards. The center-back has become a stalwart for club and