Just last week, Ronald Koeman was asked whether he would be sticking with Brighton & Hove Albion’s Bart Verbruggen in goal for the Netherlands.
The former Barcelona manager refused to reveal what his decision was going to be, and even said he hadn’t decided as of yet.
Well, Martin Stekelenburg, speaking to Studio Voetbal and relayed by Soccer News, urged Koeman to stick with the Brighton goalkeeper going forward for various reasons.
The ex-Fulham shot stopper is adamant that Verbruggen, Mark Flecked and Martin Bijlow will be the three that go to the Euros, but also reckons that the former of the trio will be the starter going forward.
He said: “I have the feeling that Koeman will continue to go for Bart Verbruggen. The national manager also once said at a press conference that it is very annoying that Justin Bijlow is injured so often. Koeman is completely done with that uncertainty and that change in goal.
“You notice that in everything. Verbruggen did well in the previous international game, twice. Potential wise, they see a lot in him in the Dutch team. They think he is very good for the future there. He’s also the youngest debutant in 50 years. I really think that he will leave Verbruggen there.”
Since joining Brighton in a €20m transfer this summer, the 21-year-old goalkeeper has had to make do with occasional opportunities at the Amex under Roberto De Zerbi.
The Italian manger has been rotating him with Jason Steele almost on a weekly basis, although whether that is something he should be doing is a question only he can answer.
At least, at international level, there is a belief the Brighton goalkeeper should be getting some sort of stability.
