Gregg Berhalter says he expects Zack Steffen to challenge for a U.S. men's national team spot after the goalkeeper completed a move back to MLS.
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Berhalter expects Steffen to be involvedGoalkeeper left of USMNT's 2022 World Cup squadRecently completed move to Rapids Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
Steffen recently signed with the Colorado Rapids, returning to MLS after four years with Manchester City. During his time with City, Steffen made just 21 appearances, although he did go out on loan to Fortuna Dusseldorf and Middlesbrough during his time with the Premier League giants.
However, his lack of games leading up to the 2022 World Cup saw him left out of the squad, despite being the starter for parts of that cycle. Berhalter isn't writing him off, though.
Despite leaving Steffen out of January camp to help him adjust to life with the Rapids, Berhalter says he expects to see the goalkeeper among the call-ups at some point going forward.
AdvertisementWHAT BERHALTER SAID
"I felt that, with the move, it's important for him to be with his club for preseason," Berhalter said to explain Steffen's absence from January camp. "Coming into a new club, we know it's going to play a big role for Colorado. I've talked to him about his potential role with us and he's very much in the pool of players and we expect him to challenge for a position with the goalkeepers. I think that's pretty clear for him."
Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The USMNT goalkeeper position is in an interesting place right now with plenty of players looking to earn a bigger role going forward.
Matt Turner remains the starter, although his issues at Nottingham Forest could see someone challenge him for that top spot. Rising MLS stars like Drake Callender, Roman Celentano and Patrick Schulte were called in for January camp, while prodigy Gabriel Slonina continues to earn experience with Eupen while on loan from Chelsea. veterans like Ethan Horvath and Sean Johnson also remain in the pool, as does Steffen, who has not played for the U.S. since 2022.
WHAT NEXT FOR THE USMNT?
The U.S. will take on Slovenia later this month in the team's first friendly of 2024 before turning their focus towards a busy year. Throughout 2024, the U.S. will compete in the Nations League, Copa America and Olympics, meaning plenty of players will get their chance to make their push towards the World Cup on home soil in two years.
