Dutch delight for Verbruggen after international bow

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Goalkeeper made his senior debut for The Netherlands during the last international break.

Luke Nicoli

2023-11-02T06:00:00Z

Bart Verbruggen has made five appearances so far this campaign.

While England and Scotland fans were wrapped up in the euphoria of qualifying for EURO 2024 during the recent round of international fixtures, Bart Verbruggen also had reason to celebrate.

Having been called into the Netherlands squad for their recent qualifiers against France and Greece, the Albion keeper made the starting line-up for both games – his first appearances for Ronald Koeman’s senior side.

As he walked out for his debut against France at the Johan Cruyff Arena, the 21-year-old also became the youngest goalkeeper to represent the ‘Oranje’ since Jan van Beveren against Czechoslovakia way back in April 1969.

Koeman has yet to settle on his first-choice between the posts, with Brentford’s Mark Flekken, Feyenoord’s Justin Bijlow and NEC’s Jasper Cillessen all featuring in games during 2023, but following two impressive performances, Bart has now thrown his hat firmly into the ring.

“It was fun, I enjoyed it,” he said rather modestly of his landmark week away. “Unfortunately, we lost the game against France but won in Greece, so that was nice – keeping a clean sheet.

“I saw it as a great compliment that I could make my debut at 21 and it has definitely left me wanting more.”

Verbruggen was given an intimate taste of what top-level international football can throw up as he faced Kylian Mbappe head-on. The French striker netted twice on the night, the first a close-range volley, the second an exceptional curling effort from the edge of the box – reinforcing his status as arguably the world’s best player.

“To make my debut against France, a top footballing country, was something I was very happy to have experienced – it made me very proud,” he added. “In fact, it was a dream come true, but I said afterwards to my teammates and the media that it was also bittersweet.

“I was disappointed with the result because you want to stop everything. But then you are facing Mbappe and he reacted very quickly [for the first goal]. It was disappointing for us because we had started the game well, but you have to sometimes accept what has happened [with the second goal]. He got his shot away right into the far corner, a good shot. You have to concede it was a nice goal.”

Bart Verbruggen joined us on a five-year deal from Anderlecht in the summer.

The 2-1 defeat left the Dutch adrift of second-placed Greece in Group B, making the game in Athens three days later even more important. What played out was a game in which Koeman’s side had the lion’s share of chances and possession, but it took a 93rd-minute Virgil van Dijk penalty to separate the sides.

“There was less to do in that game, but you talk to yourself, you keep yourself alert,” he said of the game at the Agia Sophia Stadium, which, incidentally, will host the Seagulls when we face AEK Athens on 30 November in the Europa League. “While Greece did try on the night, I never felt we were in trouble. It was an important three points.”

If the Dutch beat the Republic of Ireland and Gibraltar in their final games, a place at the Euros next summer will be assured. Verbruggen is now very much in the frame to play in those games and, indeed, book his place on the plane for Germany – but his attention is now very much on maintaining his good form with the Seagulls.

“It would be nice to continue playing for the national team, but I must continue to prove myself with Brighton, just like the other goalkeepers. For a moment it was good to reminisce, but now the focus is very much back on my club football and making more appearances.”

The 21-year-old has enjoyed working with Jason Steele.

Having signed from Anderlecht in the summer, Verbruggen has been sharing goalkeeping duties with Jason Steele this season. He made his debut against West Ham at the Amex, the first of five league and cup appearances to date, and while he admits that sharing duties is a new experience, it’s a challenge he has enjoyed taking on.

“With the number of games we’ve been playing in the various competitions, I’ve still played regularly,” he added. “There’s a very good relationship among the goalkeepers at the club, and the coaches, and we all push each other to do well.

“To join this club and to play in the Premier League has been a dream come true, and while these are still early days, I’ve really enjoyed my time so far. Now I can’t wait to hopefully help the club achieve our ambitions.”