NOS Voetbal•gisteren, 13:50
Koeman chooses Verbruggen: ‘Has proven that he can deal with the extent very nicely’
Bart Verbruggen would be the first goalkeeper of the Dutch nationwide staff on the European Championship. The 21-year-old goalkeeper of Brighton & Hove Albion is most popular by nationwide coach Ronald Koeman over second selection Mark Fleken (Brentford) and Justin Bijlow (Feyenoord).
Verbruggen was known as up for the primary time by Koeman in March 2023 and has performed in 5 of the final six worldwide matches for the Dutch staff. Verbruggen is the youngest of the three goalkeepers known as up and the one with essentially the most potential, in keeping with the Oranje workers.
“I had already figured it out,” says Koeman, who had Verbruggen and Flek preserve objective within the final worldwide match. “We then consciously determined to offer them every a match. However for me, Bart is primary, and in addition for (goalkeeper coach) Patrick Lodewijks.”
‘Boy’s Dream’
Verbruggen calls it “a childhood dream come true”. “Through the previous interval you felt that there was an opportunity and then you definately naturally hope. While you get affirmation, it’s a nice second. I’m very pleased with it.”
Verbruggen first goalkeeper at European Championship: ‘Boy’s dream come true’
The 1.93 meter tall Verbruggen saved 21 video games within the Premier League this season. Final season he broke by way of in Belgium below the bar at Anderlecht, which had picked him up at a younger age from NAC Breda.
His age (21) didn’t trigger any doubts for the nationwide coach. “By no means. He performs within the Premier League, has already performed large matches there. And he has performed worldwide matches. Age would not matter, he has proven that he can deal with the extent very nicely. I’ve each confidence.”
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Koeman desires his European Championship goalkeeper to maintain each observe matches. The Dutch staff will observe in opposition to Canada on Thursday and in opposition to Iceland on Monday. Poland is the primary opponent on the European Championships in Germany on June 16.
Flek second goalkeeper
Fleken is the second goalkeeper in Koeman’s plans, Bijlow is third within the pecking order. “That might change through the match, there can be cause for it,” says Koeman.
First goalkeeper Verbruggen additionally a penalty killer for the Dutch staff? ‘Greater than prepared’
“Justin knew his place. He comes from accidents and has not performed a lot. Mark Flokken in all probability had the sensation of being in competitors with Bart. However he additionally accepts his position. These three work very nicely collectively and perceive that we have now to choose to make.”
Frenkie de Jong
The Dutch staff nonetheless skilled with out Frenkie de Jong on Wednesday. The FC Barcelona midfielder is recovering from an ankle harm.
Koeman beforehand expressed the hope that De Jong might be slot in time for the primary group match on the European Championship in opposition to Poland. The observe matches with Canada and Iceland are nonetheless too early for him.
Teun Koopmeiners and Tijjani Reijnders had been additionally lacking on Wednesday. The midfielders had late commitments with their golf equipment Atalanta and AC Milan and can report back to the group on Friday. The opposite 23 choice gamers had been all current on the coaching in Zeist.
Press convention Koeman and Verbruggen
The Dutch males observe in opposition to Canada on the best way to the European Championship on Thursday. Right this moment, Ronald Koeman and Bart Verbruggen’s press convention might be seen on this livestream from 2 p.m.