Turf ONLY plays like grass when it is slick, greasy, wet etc. I like turf when it is wet from either rain, or from dew formed from when the sun goes down and the lights are turned on. It plays faster then and then only. On a warm dry day, turf is much SLOWER than grass. Those that say otherwise are perhaps not taking those conditions into account. For example, if a lofted through ball is played to the run of a center forward on a warm, dry day the ball STICKS as it bounces and the forward may have to check or hold their run. A player may also experience this sticking as he/she is in close control and trying to move the ball out of their feet. This is caused not only by friction of the plastic artificial grass blades but more-so by the dry black rubber pellets that also cause friction. On grass, the same lofted pass on a dry day will still more likely SKIP ahead as it lands due to the water content in the grass blades yielding as the ball makes contact with the grass ; hence, grass stains as you slide.
Dry turf is a slower surface for moving the ball BUT is faster for player movement, especially in terms of agility and changing direction. Players grip the surface better and their cleats don't sink into the ground with each step. Many studies in football (American) demonstrate this fact.
Therefore, its not simply an apples to apples comparison. I would take a well manicured natural grass field (like Dorman et al) over turf any day of the week... BUT would take turf over a poorly maintained grass field all day also. A wet grass and turf field play the most similar. Under these circumstances, I don't think its much of an advantage as both are quick.
Interesting question though for sure. pro's and con's for both arguments.
