Pep Guardiola praises USMNT goalkeeper Zack Steffen

Zack Steffen serves as the second option to starting goalkeeper Ederson at Manchester City. This season he has played three times across all competitions, but has yet to make his first appearance in the UEFA Champions League.

Guardiola praises Zack Steffen

The USMNT goalkeeper made his first Premier League start since January in Manchester City’s 2-0 victory against Burnley over the weekend. The Citizens manager, Pep Guardiola, decided to leave Ederson on the bench after arriving late from international duty with Brazil last week. After the game, Guardiola praised the level Steffen has shown in the opportunities he gets to start in goal.

"The last games he played in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup and today (Saturday), he is growing incredibly fast and well as a keeper," Guardiola said. "Working alongside (goalkeeping coach) Xabi Mancisidor and Richard (Wright), he is a much better goalkeeper than when he arrived because we have maybe the best keeper trainer in the world.

“We have incredible confidence in him [Steffen]. The moment he has to save the ball, he saves it,” added Guardiola, who also said he is an upgrade from former goalkeeper Claudio Bravo. Manchester City have a busy week ahead of them.

They will play back-to-back road games against Club Brugge on Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League and on Saturday against Brighton in the Premier League. With two games in less than seven days, the USMNT goalkeeper might have the opportunity to see more minutes.