Bart Verbruggen spent three years at Anderlecht before arriving at Brighton & Hove Albion in July 2023.
In his final season at the Jupiler Pro League, the 22-year-old played behind centre-back Jan Vertonghen.
The former Belgian international had recently stated the Brighton player has qualities to become one of the best goalkeepers within three years.
Volkskrant had a chat with the stopper and Voetbal International relayed his quotes. The Netherlands international was asked to respond about the comments made his by his former teammate.
“Well, that’s quite something. Who knows,” he said.
The Seagulls stopper was pleased to know about Vertonghen’s remarks and wants to be one of the best in his position. The Dutchman claims he remains optimistic of further improving his game to get to the next level.
“Ultimately my goal is to become the best goalkeeper I can be. Whether that is the best in the world is also a matter of opinion. One person likes Ronaldo better, the other Messi,” Verbruggen explained.
“In any case, I want to be mentioned in the discussion about who is the best. I do have that confidence. The most important thing is that I don’t want to be able to blame myself at the end because I could have gotten more out of it.”
Last season, Roberto De Zerbi rotated between the Dutchman and Jason Steele.
The English club appointed Fabian Hürzeler as the Italian’s successor in the summer and Verbruggen has cemented his place at The Amex this season. He’s kept three clean sheets and conceded 24 goals from 15 games for the Seagulls.
Verbruggen also started for the Netherlands in the Euros, where they lost to England in the semi-final.
On this tie, he said: “When that match started, I entered a tunnel. It was very special. Everything around me disappeared. I was so concentrated on that field.”
“Not for a second did I think about the size of the stage, about the final spot that was at stake, about what could happen if we lost. It was my biggest game, and I didn’t collapse under the pressure, but actually felt very strong. That evening it became clear to me: I am good at finals.”
