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 10th. 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.
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