Zack Steffen 2019/20 – scout report

After being considered a favourite to get relegated at the start of last season, Fortuna Düsseldorf proved to be a pleasant surprise in the Bundesliga. Highlighted by a 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund, a 3-1 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach, and draws against Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig, the club enjoyed their best league season in 19 years, finishing 10^th. Now, manager Friedhelm Funkel will be looking to extend his team’s stay in the top flight. While the most notable transfer Düsseldorf completed was the outgoing move of breakout striker Dodi Lukebakio, the incoming players will give the squad a fighting chance. One such player is American goalkeeper Zack Steffen.

This tactical analysis will delve into how Zack Steffen plays in front of goal and what his role will be as a goalkeeper for Düsseldorf.

Background

Steffen didn’t begin his youth football career as a goalkeeper. He initially played as a defender until, at the age of 10, his team’s keeper couldn’t make it to a match. Steffen stepped in and hasn’t looked back since. Eventually, he left his home country and headed abroad. In his first stint in Germany, Steffen recorded mixed results with Freiburg II. He returned to the United States after about a year and a half overseas.

Steffen signed with the Columbus Crew in summer 2016. After three highly successful seasons in Ohio, including winning MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2018, Steffen was sold for a league-record fee for goalkeepers to defending Premier League champions Manchester City. In the City Football Group system, the plan was to send Steffen out on loan to develop his skills with analysis and consistent playing time. That time came from Düsseldorf.

Shot-stopping and positioning

First and foremost, Steffen’s best trait is his shot-stopping ability. The 24-year-old has an exceptional reaction time and uses his frame to stretch well across goal. In his breakout MLS season of 2017, Steffen tied for fourth in saves, with 98 in 34 matches.

Steffen’s diving ability is one of the best to come out of the United States keeper pool in recent years. He makes his body big and covers as much space near the shot as possible. This dedication is a large factor as to how Steffen makes so many key saves in late-game situations. Throughout his career, Steffen has made a total of eight penalty saves out of 22 total penalties taken against him, good for a 36.4% penalty save percentage. He fully commits to his dives on penalties, preferring to cover the chosen side completely down to the post as opposed to attempting to limit the penalty taker’s decision.

Steffen has already shown some of his goalkeeping skills in an overall positive start in his career at Düsseldorf. He started the first round match of the DFB-Pokal against FC 08 Villingen, making a few strong saves despite conceding a penalty. Düsseldorf defeated the Oberliga club 1-3 after extra time, with Steffen playing the full 120 minutes.