Unfortunately for Steffen’s all of that has changed as he was not one of the three goalkeepers going to the World Cup in Qatar. Over the last two years, Steffen has had a fall from grace. First being loaned out of Manchester City where in the limited matches he did play, Steffen was prone to huge blunders.

Then on the USMNT it was his understudies that provided the heroics, first Ethan Horvath came up big saving a penalty in the Nations League final against Mexico. Then Arsenal’s Matt Turner took the starting spot from Steffen on the back of solid play for both club and country.

Why is Zack Steffen missing the Qatar 2022 World Cup?

Gregg Berhalter stated one of the reasons why Steffen did not go to the tournament as being, “the hierarchy” of the USMNT goalkeepers going to the World Cup and wanting “more out of Zack” going forward.

Many pundits have stated that Steffen may not have gone to the tournament given he might not have been happy with being a number 2 option and that Berhalter considered team harmony over taking “the best” at his disposal.

This is not the first time something similar has happened on the USMNT, in 1994 Kasey Keller, who was playing very well at Millwall, was left off of the 94 World Cup squad given his difficult relationship with coach Bora Milutinović and that US Soccer’s pre World Cup marketing centered around Tony Meola, it would have been deemed “odd” for the face of US Soccer to sit on the bench in favor of the more talented Keller.

For the first time ever, three U-20 players are on the final list of a World Cup with the USMNT.Joe Scally (19 years and 313 days), Yunus Musah(19 years and 345 days) andGio Reyna(19 years and 361 days).

The United States will play in Group B with England, Iran and Wales. A major debate among the National Team is who will be the starting goalkeeper at the2022 World Cup in Qatar considering the shocking announcement made a few days ago by manager Gregg Berhalter.

Who will be the goalkeeper for the United States in Qatar?

Gregg Berhaltersurprised a lot of people with his26-man final rosterfor theWorld Cupin Qatar. His three goalkeepers for the tournament are Ethan Horvath (Luton Town/England), Sean Johnson (New York City FC/United States) and Matt Turner (Arsenal/England).

The biggest surprise was the absence of Zack Steffen (Middlesbrough) considering he was the starter in the last few games of the CONCACAF qualifiers. According to Gregg Berhalter, Matt Turner’s last months with Arsenal have been good enough, Ethan Horvath has been a constant in the EFL Championship with Luton Town and Sean Johnson got the call because he’s been habitual in the US group.

Zack Steffen, alonsgside Ricardo Pepi, is probable the biggest absence for the US. He was the ‘man’ in the final stretch of the qualifers.Ethan Horvath and Sean Johnson didn’t play at all in the road to the World Cup.Now, considering this surprising scenario, Matt Turner is the front-runner to be the starting goalkeeper in Qatar for the United States. Since his international debut in 2021, Turner has 14 clean sheets in 20 caps.

This season a record 12 USMNT players will be a part of the UEFA Champions League group stage. Last season Christian Pulisic became the second American to win European Soccer’s biggest club prize. Now players like Gio Reyna, Weston McKennie, and Sergiño Dest will want to continue to make history by becoming the third American to do so.

Gregg Berhalter can’t complain, he has some of his most important players playing at the highest level. This season the UEFA Champions League will be exciting to watch as fans will return to the stadiums, now with 12 USMNT players it gets even more interesting. Here is the list of all 12 USMNT players in the 2021/22 UEFA Champions League.

Brenden Aaronson

Brenden Aaronson will be commanding the midfield for Red Bull Salzburg, in his short time there Aaronson has already established himself as one of the club’s better players. The Austrian team will look to at least get to the next round, but a good group showing could help Aaronson land a transfer to a bigger league.

Tyler Adams

Already a Champions League veteran Tyler Adams is back at the big stage with RB Leipzig of Germany. Adams has the skill and the talent to play at this level, the question is can he stay healthy for a whole season.

John Brooks

The USMNT defender gets a crack at Champions League action with Wolfsburg of Germany. John Brooks is entering his fifth season with the club and is one of the best defenders of the Bundesliga.

Sergiño Dest

Sergiño Dest had a lot of growing pains last season at Barcelona, this season is an opportunity to show that he has the talent and the perseverance to maintain a starting spot at Barcelona. Barcelona will be without Messi, and while the club has seen better days, Dest can still shine if he corrects some of the issues that plagued him last season.

Weston McKennie

Weston McKennie was a bright spot for Juventus last season, now in his second season what kind of role will he have? That question will be answered by Massimiliano Allegri. McKennie can play at this level no question, hopefully Allegri will find a spot for the box-to-box midfielder.

Owen Otasowie

Owen Otasowie recently signed with Club Brugge of Belgium after playing just 6 games with Wolverhampton Wanderers. At 20, Otasowie seems to have a good future ahead of him, but if he wants to crack the USMNT, getting a starting spot at Brugge and good Champions League outings will be essential.

Jordan Siebatcheu

After a great season with Young Boys on loan last season and a big goal against Honduras in the Nations League semifinal, Jordan Siebatcheu is already off to a fast start this seasonwith 2 goals in 3 games in Switzerland.

Christian Pulisic

Last season’s Champions League winner, Christian Pulisic wants to continue to show why he is the USMNT poster boy. Pulisic already scored a goal in his first game of the Premier League season and will want to hold down a starting spot for Chelsea this season.

Gio Reyna

Gio Reyna had an up and down season at Dortmund last year but showed his capacity to win his starting spot back last season, while showing the talents that have him pegged as one of the best young prospects in the world. Reyna will look for this season to be his official coming out party.

Chris Richards

Chris Richards will be in the Bayern Munich squad this season, just how much he will play will depend on many factors, nonetheless it will be a season of invaluable experience.

Zack Steffen

Zack Steffen is Manchester City’s back up goalkeeper, hopefully Guardiola will give Zack some Champions League minutes. Steffen’s chances of playing are slim unless an injury occurs.

Tim Weah

The French champion will be able to showcase his skill in the Champions League, like his father before him. Tim Weah is often used as a bench option and his goal will be to be a consistent starter for Lille.

Manchester City comes in as last year’s champion and in search of their eighth title, while Manchester United, the team to win the most titles in England, will look for their 21st. In the United States fans can watch the Premier League on NBC Sports, Peacock, and Telemundo Deportes.

While American participation has diminished in the last 10 years, the Premier League has always been a place where American soccer players have made a name for themselves. The most important USMNT player plays for Chelsea, Christian Pulisic, and three other players call the Premier League home, here are the 4 USMNT players on Premier League squads this season!

Christian Pulisic

As if we needed to tell you! Christian Pulisic is back for his third season at Chelsea, and the American wonder has not disappointed, 13 goals in 52 games for The Blues, and a Champions League title. The key for Pulisic this season is to stay healthy and officially win a starting spot week in and week out on the squad.

Zack Steffen

Zack Steffen has made 1 league appearance and is the go-to goalkeeper for the domestic cup games. Steffen is very much a back-up and with his position on the USMNT being threatened either he wins the starting job or may have to find a new home.

Owen Otasowie

Owen Otasowie may be unfamiliar to some, but he has already been capped with the USMNT. Not in any of the recent squads, Otasowie will be looking to break through at Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he has played only 6 matches all last season and maybe break into the US squad.

Cameron Carter-Vickers

Cameron Carter-Vickers is back at Spurs, for how long who knows, but maybe this season he might stay and be a good role player when called upon. At 23, the defender has been around, loaned to 6 clubs, time will tell if he stays or goes.

Note: Matt Miazga is still on Chelsea’s books but will most likely be loaned out somewhere and Indiana Vassilev of Aston Villa is currently on loan with Orlando City of the MLS until the end of the season.

In a unique case, there are even three American players in one Champions League group. Not only are there American players but also American coaches as Jesse Marsch will coach in his second consecutive Champions League.

A total of tenUSMNT players will suit up for Champions League action this season and one coach will be on the sidelines, we have the list of each American player and their possibilities to play in European soccer’s top cup competition.

USMNT Players in Champions League Squads

Group A

Chris Richards – Bayern Munich

Richards is coming along slowly for the current champions and will look to get meaningful minutes during the year. The fact that he is on the squad can only help his development. His chances of playing are slim at least for now.

Jesse Marsch coaches Red Bull Salzburg

In his second season with the club,Marsch will coach in his second consecutive Champions League. If he can get out of the group, it will be a huge victory for the Austrian side.

Group C

Zack Steffen – Manchester City

Steffen has already played in a few cup games for Man City this season, and while he is not the starter, don’t be surprised if he gets some minutes in the Champions League group stage.

Group D

Alex Méndez – Ajax

Alex Méndezhas only recently been promoted to the Ajax senior side and will be in the mix as a rotation player most likely.Méndez is a USMNT youth international who moved to Ajax in 2019, he played in the youth systems of the L.A. Galaxy in MLS andSC Freiburg of Germany before making a move to the Netherlands.

Group E

Christian Pulisic – Chelsea

Pulisic is no stranger to this stage having played for Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea already. This season many pundits have noted that Pulisic will have a breakout year, he is wearing the number 10 jersey at Chelsea and will be a key player in their title hopes.

Group F

Gio Reyna – BorussiaDortmund

Like Pulisic, Reyna is coming on strong for Borussia Dortmund, this will only add to the experience he has gained, and it could be a coming-out party for Gio Reyna at such a high level.

Ethan Horvath – Club Brugge

Life has been pretty dull for Horvath at Brugge, he lost both his starting spot on the teamandhe has fallen out of favor with the USMNT. His chances of playing are slim unless he regains his starting spot.

Group G

Weston McKennie – Juventus

McKennie as of right now is starting at Juventus and will most likely be rotating in the midfield as the schedule picks up for the Italian champions. No question about it, McKennie will play a role forJuve this season.

Konrad De la fuente – Barcelona

Konrad, as he is going by at Barcelona, is at the moment a squad player and his chances ofplaying are slim, but he might come in if a player gets injured.

Sergiño Dest – Barcelona

Dest recently signed with Barcelona, but it looks like he will be a key player for the team during the season. He will be at the right-backpositionfor the team as Barcelona look to reclaim the Champions League this season.

Group H

Tyler Adams – RB Leipzig

Adams also has experience in the Champions League and scored a goal against Atlético Madrid last season. He will be a central piece for Leipzig again this season.

It’s hard not to argue that the U.S. has talent in every position, and this will make Gregg Berhalter’s job a bit easier knowing his top talents are playing meaningful minutes in these competitive leagues. Players like Duane Holmes and Julian Green may be in the second divisions, but can also be used as good role players when called upon.

Fielding a starting 11 is always hard, especially when you have options in each position. Some players will be left out, but there are 11 key players in Europe the USMNT hope continueto develop and lead the team back to the 2022 World Cup.

USMNT European Starting 11

Goalkeeper – Zack Steffen – Manchester City

While Zack Steffen is not starting at Manchester City, he has already played in a cup game and the day in and day out training for a top club make it hard to argue there is another goalkeeper ahead of him in the pool.

Right Back – Reggie Cannon – Boavista

Reggie Cannon was already one of the best right-backs in MLS when he was sold to Boavista in Portugal, since his arrival, he has started every game and will be one of the main options for the U.S. Defense.

Defender – John Brooks – Wolfsburg

Brooks has been in the Bundesliga since the start of his career, the 2014 World Cup hero is entering the prime of his career. He has been a bit inconsistent when playing for the U.S. buthis performances in league play have been very good.

Defender – Chris Richards – Bayern Munich

Chris Richards has yet to claim a place in the Bayern first team, but coach Hans-Dieter Flick has praised him and has inserted him in some games. If he can continue to develop, he will challenge for a starting spot.

Left Back – Sergiño Dest – Barcelona

Sergiño Dest has had a rollercoaster ride to the top of European soccer. In oneyear he started playing for Ajax, got his first USMNT cap, and is set for a record move to Barcelona. Dest has shown his talent and is considered one of world soccer’s best young prospects.

Midfielder – Tim Weah – Lille

The multipurpose midfielder is coming back from injury and has shown flashes of what he can do at Celtic and PSG. He will need to stay healthy, but Weah has the energy and talent to be a key figure for the USMNT.

Midfielder – Weston McKennie – Juventus

Since his move to Juventus, Weston McKennie has only added to his rising stock. He was one of FC Schalke 04 best players last season and already has received positive marks in Italy. He is one of the new leaders of the U.S. team.

Midfielder – Tyler Adams – R. B. Leipzig

Adams is one of the U.S. most consistent European based players, he has grown in each season since his move to Germany. The key is for Adams is to avoid injury, despite some amazing performances his seasons are cut short due to injury.

Midfielder – Christian Pulisic – Chelsea

The new Landon Donovan, the man who everyone will look too to lead the squad. Pulisic is yet to debut this season, butlast year he was the best player for Chelsea, that can’t be argued. He completely dominated in a game against Liverpool and scored some amazing goals. The hopes of the USMNT rest on Pulisic.

Midfielder – Gio Reyna – Borussia Dortmund

Like his father before him, Reyna looks set to be the new USMNT set up man. His quick passing and field vision will look to open up spaces for speedsters Pulisic and Weah. Reyna started his season strong as he looks to break out for Dortmund.

Forward – Josh Sargent – Werder Bremen

The USMNT weakest position by far is forward. Sargent is young, but he plays on a dreadful Bremen side. With little options besides Sargent, the U.S. will hope that he finally starts scoring for his club. At the national team level, Sargent does have 5 goals in 12 games.

In the last four seasonsthe league has sold some of the most prominent homegrown talents for high value, $41 million in total if you combine the transfers of Mark McKenzie, Bryan Reynolds, Brenden Aaronson, and Ricardo Pepi. There have also been high profile sales such as Gonzalo “Pity” Martínez to Al- Nassr of the Saudi Professional League for $18 million.

As the league continues to buy young up and coming South Americans and the youth academies continue to produce American prospects, one thing is for certain, MLS will continue to sell talent at a high value, the highest in their history.Who are the biggest transfers in MLS history? Take a look!

Jack Harrison – Manchester City – $4.4 Million

Jack Harrison was a standout player at NYCFC playing 55 games and scoring 14 goals. He would move to mother club Manchester City for a $4.4 million transfer fee, only to be loaned and bought by Leeds United.

Héctor Villalba – Libertad – $4.4 Million

Atlanta United’s first DP played 3 seasons for the club with 21 goals in 82 games. Villalba would move to Paraguay for a $4.4 million fee, the move was more of a cap space move than a desired transfer fee.

Carlos Gruezo to FC Augsburg – $4.6 Million

Ecuadorian defensive midfielder Carlos Gruezo played in FC Dallas from 2016-2019, when FC Augsburg of Germany came with a $4.6 million offer the club did not think twice and got some good cash for the solid midfielder.

Matt Miazga to Chelsea – $5 Million

Matt Miazga was sold from the New York Red Bulls to Chelsea in 2016 for a $5 million transfer, the defender only made 2 appearances for Chelsea and was loaned out almost every year since then. Miazga has played in Holland, France, the Championship in England, Anderlecht, and lastseason withDeportivo Alavés of Spain before returning to MLS in 2022.

Chris Richards – Bayern Munich – $5.3 Million

USMNT defender Chris Richards moved to Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern Munich never playing a match in MLS. Richards was highly praised but could not crack the Bayern lineup due to more experienced players and is now in the Premier League with Crystal Palace.

Cristian Arango – Pachuca – $5.8 Million

The former LAFC striker always seemed to be a filler player for a big name pending star. Despite scoring 30 goals in 51 games the club felt it could do better and wisely sold the Colombian to Liga MX for $5.8 million.

Mark McKenzie to Genk – $6 Million

Mark McKenzie was sold to Belgium club Genk for a club record $6 Million transfer fee after playing 48 games and scoring 2 goals for the Union. McKenzie is a future USMNT prospect and at 23made the move across the pond at the right time. He has signed a four-and-a-half year contract with Genk.

Matt Turner to Arsenal – $6 Million

In a shock move the USMNT netminderand one of MLS best keepers was sold to Arsenal of the Premier League for $6 million which could eventually end up being $10 million.

Djordje Mihailovic – AZ – $6 Million

One of the more creative American players in MLS, Djordje Mihailovic was sold in 2022 for a club record $6 million to Netherlands side AZ.

Brenden Aaronson toRed Bull Salzburg- $6.5 Million

Brenden Aaronson moved to Red Bull Salzburg from the Philadelphia Union at a $6.5 million transfer fee, Aaronson is a highly regarded USMNT prospect, the attacking midfielder has shown what he can do with 7 goals in 51games for the Union. He already has 6goals in 28caps for the USMNT and is now at Leeds United.

Gianluca Busio – $6.5 Million

Gianluca Busio’s stock rose tremendously during the Concacaf Gold Cup in 2021 and this led to a big transfer to Italian Serie A side Venezia FC for $6.5 million in direct transfer plus another $4 million in bonuses, plus Sporting get a 20% sell-on clause. Not bad!

Brian Rodríguez – Club America – $6.6 Million

Uruguayan winger Brian Rodríguez was a headache during his time in LAFC. On a record transfer fee of $8 million from Peñarol to LAFC. Rodríguez showed flashes of brilliance but never took the league by storm, scoring only 8 goals in 55 games. Rodríguez’s desire to move to Europe forced a loan to Almería, when he returned to MLS after a rough spell in Spain the midfielder came back with a better head on his shoulders but again pushed for a move to LigaMX side Club America only four months later.

Zack Steffen to Manchester City – $7 Million

The U.S.A.’s former number one goalkeeper was sold to City in the summer of 2019 for $7 million. Manchester City immediately loaned Steffen to Fortuna Düsseldorf in Germany to get him playing time in hopes to have him return to the club ready for Premier League action. Since thenSteffen has been loaned toMiddlesbrough.

Tajon Buchanan to Club Brugge – $7 Million

Tajon Buchanan was sold to Club Brugge of Belgium for $7 million plus a 10% sell-on clause on August 24th 2021. The New England Revolution winger played in 61MLS games and scored 11goals before his move to Europe.

Kevin Paredes to VfL Wolfsburg – $7,350,000

19-year-old Kevin Paredes was sold to the Bundesliga side in January 2022 after only playing 41 games and scoring 3 goals with DC United. A landmark deal for a youngAmerican player.

Ismaël Koné – Watford – $8.4 Million

Ismaël Koné is a talented midfielder who played for CF Montreal for two seasons making 26 appearances and scoring 2 goals. His grace and vision of the ball were spotted by Watford who did not hesitate to buy his contract, since then Ismaël Koné has hit the ground running at his new club.

Bryan Reynolds to AS Roma – $8.5 million

FC Dallas broke the 2021 transfer market when they sold 21-year-oldhomegrown right back Bryan Reynolds to AS Roma for a club-record fee $8.5 million according to some sources. Reynolds has been with F.C. Dallas since 2017 and played a total of 27 games for the club before making his big move to Serie A and is now on loan to K. V. C. Westerlo.

Daryl Dike to West Bromwich Albion – $9.5 Million

Not quite what MLS and Orlando City may have wanted for the big target man, but with very little true interest Daryl Dike was sold for $9.5 million to West Bromwich Albion. Dike signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with the club. In MLS, Dike scored 18 goals in only 35 games.

Jozy Altidore to Villarreal – $10 Million

Jozy Altidore’s transfer to Villarreal was executed in 2008 and for a league-high $10 million at the time. Altidore’s time in Spain was largely insignificant as he bounced around on loan for three years. Altidore did have a resurgence in the Netherlands, wherehe played for AZ for two seasons, scoring39 goals in 67 appearances before a move to the EPL where he scored only 1 goal in 42 outings for Sunderland.

Diego Rossi toFenerbahce- $10 Million

Uruguayan striker Diego Rossi finally moved to Fenerbahce in Turkey for a reported $10 million in April of 2022. The deal took a long time to materialize due it being an initial six-month loan. Rossi was a highlight forward in MLS and LAFC scoring 48 goals in 104games and winning the Golden Boot in 2020.

Adam Buksa to RC Lens – $10Million

The Polish striker played two and a half seasons with the New England Revolution and left in June of 2022. Buksa played 64 games and netted 29 goals for the club helping the Revs capture the 2021 Supporters Shield.

Gabriel Slonina – Chelsea – $10 Million

Considered to be one of the best goalkeeping prospects in the world, Gabriel Slonina was sold to Chelsea for $10 million in the summer of 2022, he stayed for the poor Chicago Fire until January 2023. Slonina is slated to be loan for the 23/24 season.

Alphonso Davies to Bayern Munich – $13.5 Million

Alphonso Davies is becoming MLS’s best export, at 18 he had already played 65 games for the Vancouver Whitecaps and was an MLS All-Star. Bayern Munich had been observing him heavily and pulled the trigger in July 2018 and purchased the Canadianinternational for $13.5 million. The deal could end up being $22 million if Davies hits certain objectives. Davies has won 12titles since his move to Germany and is the starting left back at Bayern Munich.

Gonzalo ‘Pity’ Martínez toAl- Nassr- $18 million

The Argentine attacker came to MLS as the 2018 South American Footballer of the year and was brought in at a $13 million transfer from River Plate of Argentina. Pity Martinez’s time in MLS can largely be summed up as disappointing, Atlanta United had high hopes for him, especially after River Plate’s run in the 2018 Copa Libertadores. Martínez never fully became adjusted to the league and often was played out of position under Frank de Boer.

In total Martinez played 39 games for Atlanta United and scored 7 goals and provided 11 assists, his play was largely inconsistent and he never really became the dominant player the team had intended.

Jhon Duran – Aston Villa – $18 Million

The Colombian prospect joined the Chicago Fire for only one season scoring 8 goals in 27 games. The speed, power, and finishing of Jhon Duran were evident as he was a standout player on a bad team. Now in England, Jhon Duran will look to continue to skyrocket in the best league in the world.

Ricardo Pepi to FC Augsburg – $20 Million

In an unexpected transfer to FC Augsburg, USMNT sensation Ricardo Pepi made a huge $20 million transfer to the Bundesliga side. Pepi had a meteoric rise in 2021 and it was capped off with a huge transfer to FC Augsburg. Pepi was the subject of moves to Ajax, Wolfsburg, who came the closest to signing him, Liverpool, Manchester United among others. In MLS, Pepi scored 15 goals in 55 games.

Miguel Almirón to Newcastle United – $27 million

Miguel Almirón is the largest outgoing transfer to date in MLS. The Paraguayan midfielder was explosive with highlight-reel goals and speed that left the best defenders in MLS eating his dust.Almirón played two seasons at Atlanta United winning MLS cup in 2018, he scored 21 goals in 62 appearances.