USMNT: Zack Steffen needs to get fit and settle down
Zack Steffen suffered an MCL injury upon his return to training last week. The USMNT goalkeeper needs to get fit, settle down, and string some good form together.
Zack Steffen is reaching that crucial point in his career when he needs to deliver on his potential. The former Columbus Crew goalkeeper made the switch to European football last summer, signing for Manchester City but landing at Fortuna Dusseldork on a season-long loan.
It is his first season in European football, and he has been thrust into the deep end, starting for a relegation-threatened side in a top-five league in world football. For any goalkeeper, it is no easy task, and it might be the perfect challenge for Steffen to build the basis of his career.
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The U.S. Men’s National Team starter turned 25 in early-April. He is approaching the prime of his career and would benefit from regular starts, which he has had in Dusseldorf. Before a patella injury put pain to his season, Steffen started all of the first 17 Bundesliga matches of the season.
However, a the patella problem in his knee meant he missed the last eight league matches of the campaign. And then there was the COVID-19 induced suspension of play, meaning that Steffen has not played a match since before Christmas. For a young goalkeeper approaching his prime, it is problematic.
And sadly, the bad news keeps on coming. Upon returning to individual training last week as German football steps up preparation for the resumption of their season, Steffen suffered yet more knee problems, this time straining his MCL. Per CBS Sports, he is said to have avoided surgery but will miss four to six weeks, which could mean he misses yet more game time once the Bundesliga resumes.
It is encouraging that he has avoided surgery, but this could lead to no football for six straight months without any competitive action for the USMNT star. Far from ideal, to say the least.
This stunted playing time is only accentuated by his prospects at Manchester City. Per the Evening Standard, Claudio Bravo will leave City at the end of the season with Pep Guardiola expected to promote either Steffen or Aro Muric into the reserve role. Whoever wins the job will then sit behind Ederson, who is not going anywhere soon.
It would be a great opportunity for Steffen. He would be learning from the best manager in the world, studying behind one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and competing for the chance to play in and win Premier Leagues, Champions Leagues and the best prizes in football. But he also would not be playing. At this stage in his career, playing regularly is critical. Going without that would be hugely detrimental to his development.
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And so, Steffen faces a crucial period in his life. He needs to get fit, he needs to settle down, and then he needs to find his place in European football, either as a back-up in Manchester or starter elsewhere. The USMNT star has the talent, but he now needs the fitness and the place to flourish.