Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen could be the Netherlands’ goalkeeper for the next ten years, as the competition simply isn’t there to oust him.
That’s according to Hans Kraay Jr., relayed by Voetbal Primeur, who believes Verbruggen could be set for an extended stay as the Dutch number one.
Verbruggen has established himself as the number one for club and country over the last few months after a year battling for the position.
Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman had initially been unsure of whether to pick the Brighton man or Brentford’s Mark Flekken when he had to pick a replacement for Justin Bijlow.
The 22-year-old has proven worthy of the confidence shown in him so far and is now the number one at Brighton too, something which will only further strengthen his position as far as Koeman is concerned.
Kraay Jr. can certainly see Verbruggen now remaining in place for some time, primarily because he doesn’t think the competition is there to oust him.
“Verbruggen: I wouldn’t be surprised if he is in the Dutch national team for the next ten years, if he stays fit,” he said.
“Bijlow has the qualities but is unlucky that his body does not always cooperate. Flekken and Olij are ‘a bit away’ from Verbruggen.”
