Bart Verbruggen #1

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Verbruggen, still only 23, has been first choice since the 2024 Euros, with manager Ronald Koeman relaxed about his relative youth. “I’m not at all worried,” he said. “At Brighton he’s proving he can handle the highest level.” Brighton’s coach, Fabian Hürzeler, agrees, pointing to the keeper’s growing confidence. “There’s now an even stronger personality between the posts. Even without the ball, he’s becoming much more of a presence.” Verbruggen signed his first professional contract with NAC Breda, but never played in the Dutch Eredivisie, instead making his breakthrough at Anderlecht. Then came 2023’s £16.3m move to England, a record fee for a keeper moving from the Belgian top-flight. His personal philosophy: “The most important thing is to be honest with yourself,” he told the Athletic last year. “Look in the mirror. See what you’re doing really well, see what you want to develop and work on it with a lot of joy, hard work and dedication. Life will give you back what you give it.”

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