Shaka Hislop has suggested that Zack Steffen saw his career nosedive due to his decision to sign for Manchester City in the first place.
On ESPN FC, the pundit was quizzed about which player in world football he would like to mentor and he named the Manchester City loanee.
Last season, the 28-year-old was sent out on loan to Middlesbrough, with Stefan Ortega taking his place as the Sky Blues’ No.2 behind Ederson.
Shaka Hislop suggests Zack Steffen should have never signed for Manchester City
It seemed like the American international’s time at the Etihad Stadium looked it was about to come to an end after his poor display in his side’s 3-2 defeat in the FA Cup semi-final in April last year.
Steffen’s display was a reminder that he did not fit the Guardiola model of a goalkeeper, especially due to being alarmingly shaky in possession.
But Shaka Hislop has made the suggestion that Zack Steffen made a grave error by joining Manchester City.
“I thought, one of the most talented goalkeepers that the US has ever produced”, Hislop told ESPN FC.
“And I thought the City move and everything that happened as a result took away from what could’ve been an outstanding career.”
Zack Steffen simply failed to cut the mustard
One would have to disagree with Shaka Hislop as ultimately, Zack Steffen proved that he was simply not at the level of a Manchester City No.2.
In possession, the former Columbus Crew goalkeeper lacks the passing range and composure to ever be able to challenge Ederson for a place in Manchester City’s starting XI.
While as a shotstopper, Steffen did not inspire much confidence when given a rare chance in the side by Guardiola.
Perhaps if Zack Steffen adapted to Pep Guardiola’s demands as well as his standards, he would still be the club’s second-choice goalkeeper.
