Brighton & Hove Albion signed Bart Verbruggen from Anderlecht in the summer window.
The 21-year-old was the first-choice goalkeeper at the Jupiler Pro League side last season, keeping 13 clean sheets and conceding 45 goals from 37 games.
At Brighton, he’s conceded eight goals in five games, and is yet to keep a clean sheet. The stopper had a chat with Voetbalkrant, and was honest in admitting that a move from Belgium to England has been a big step for him.
“Yes, it was a big leap forward, to be honest. The Premier League is the biggest league in the world, with the best players in the world. Everything moves a little faster than in Belgium,” he said.
Last month, the goalkeeper made his debut for the Netherlands in their 2-1 loss against France, and also started in their 1-0 win over Greece. Since then, he hasn’t made an appearance for the Premier League side.
“But I’m really enjoying it here. I’m still learning every day and I’m very happy to be in England,” Verbruggen explained.
“I have been preparing for this since I was a child. But I’m not going to lie to you: it happened very quickly.
“Having said that, as a player this is what you dream of. You want everything now. I am very happy, very proud to be able to say that I can wear the Dutch shirt and that I play for Brighton.”
Roberto De Zerbi has rotated between Jason Steele and the Netherlands international this season, favouring the former in recent matches.
The Seagulls coach has stated that Verbruggen can be the best in the world, but insisted he would need time to understand his methods, which is why Steele is preferred ahead of him.
“I want to keep improving and I work every day to keep moving forward and help my team,” the Dutchman added.
