Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen has insisted he is on the way to enjoying a great career and doesn’t need an older goalkeeper to protect him despite his age.
The Netherlands goalkeeper has been speaking to Trouw regarding his current situation at club and international level.
The 21-year-old is among the highly rated youngsters in Europe after impressing with Anderlecht over the last couple of years.
His performances in Belgium made him a target for several Premier League sides, with Brighton eventually securing his signature in a €20m deal this summer.
They’re eyeing him as their number one for the future but are yet to fully give him the position this season, with Verbruggen alternating alongside Jason Steele in the Seagulls’ four games in the league so far.
It’s a situation the youngster is having to become accustomed to, with him also in the picture on the international stage but battling older, more experienced players to be number one.
It’s something he appears to be less than happy with, insisting he’s good enough already and doesn’t need the protection being afforded to him by Brighton or the Netherlands.
“I don’t need a babysitter. I feel like I can handle it,” he said.
“I just have to do my best and get better. Then hopefully I can contribute to the future. Modern football involves much more than shot stopping, such as building up or crossing.
“I like watching Marc-André Ter Stegen, the Brazilians Alisson and Ederson, or Manuel Neuer. How they solve situations. Maybe I’m possessed, yes.
“I am on my way to a great career, but no one is perfect at my age. Learning is not the same as making many mistakes. I can handle the level well, but always want more. It’s never enough for myself. Even at the age of thirty, I am not yet a finished article.”
