USMNT: Zack Steffen still number one goalkeeper

Despite recent injury problems and mixed form in 2019, Zack Steffen is talented and has the potential to be a top goalkeeper. Here is why he should remain the USMNT’s first-choice goalkeeper.

While Zack Steffen’s career is still in the early stages, the 25-year-old is becoming a household name among US soccer fans. Many deem the Pennsylvania native to be the first-choice goalkeeper for the U.S. Men’s National Team, and his quality of play in Germany this year is solidifying the idea.

This season, the Manchester City player is on loan with Fortuna Düsseldorf. While Fortuna are in relegation danger, pending whether there will be relegation with the pandemic, Steffen has performed strongly. He has 67 saves in only 17 starts. To compare, Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich) has 63 saves in 25 starts and Yann Sommer (Borussia Mönchengladbach) has the most with 97. If not for injury, Steffen would have played all 25 games in the Bundesliga and his numbers would probably be closer to Sommer rather than Neuer.

Unfortunately, a goalkeeper can only do so much. If Fortuna had a sturdier backline, it is possible the club would be out of the relegation zone. Still, there is no doubt: Steffen is valued. The reports claiming that Fortuna want the American for another season prove as much.

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In addition, Steffen’s career with the USMNT has already taken off. While 2019 was a year of mixed feelings, there were some games in 2018 that etched hope around the country. Most notoriously for, Steffen was superb versus France in June 2018. He made seven saves and kept the United States in the game, leading to a 1-1 draw against the eventual World Cup winners.

Nonetheless, Steffen has had his struggles for the national team. His errant passing out from the back has been most problematic, especially in the 3-0 loss to Venezuela which led directly to a goal. But he is put under undue pressure due to the system head coach Gregg Berhalter has attempted to implement and the lack of time and practice the team has had to perfect it.

Steffen himself recently criticized the length of time it took to hire a head coach, commenting on the impact that has since had. “We don’t have an identity right now,” he told ESPN FC. “We’re very young and inexperienced and immature in the international soccer world right now. We’re trying to find our feet, we’re trying to find leadership, we’re trying to find our playing style.” Fans have also criticized the process, and many disagree with the hiring of Berhalter and some of his roster choices. Steffen has not been aided by those around him.

Another issue is his injury history. Recently, it was announced the American suffered a knee injury. Roger Gonzalez of CBS Sports said, “he is expected to miss 4-6 weeks of action” with an MCL sprain. Steffen suffered the injury during training and has been out of Bundesliga action since January from another knee injury. In fact, his knee has kept him out of USMNT games as well. He missed Nations League matches due to tendinitis in November last year.

There is no doubt Steffen’s knee injuries have been a thorn in his side during the 2019-2020 season. For USMNT fans, it is worrisome that he has faced this recurring injury and missed a good chunk of games as a result.

That said, being overly concerned is a little rash. Steffen has had few injuries in the past and time missed was often short. Plus, this is the first time he has faced extensive injury problems and he is too talented to dismiss after such a period.

Steffen also attains leadership qualities. These have been impactful since his teenage years. In 2013, he was the starting goalkeeper for the University of Maryland’s soccer team and directed the backline of mostly upperclassmen with confidence. The Pennsylvania native even helped lead the team to the NCAA National Championship game that year, though they controversially lost to Notre Dame.

For the USMNT, Steffen carries himself well. He exudes confidence during games and directs his defenders when needed. Other players respect him, and he even declared back in 2018 that he wants to be a leader of the group in the future.

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With mixed performances in 2019 and growing concerns regarding his injury history, there are concerns about his future. And yet, despite all of this, Steffen is visibly the most gifted in the goalkeeper pool. Allied with his leadership, and experience, he is more than qualified to be the starting goalkeeper for the USMNT.

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