Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen needs to be wary as Ronald Koeman is waiting to drop him for Sunderland’s Robin Roefs.
That’s according to journalist [Valentijn Driessen for De Telegraaf.](https://www.telegraaf.nl/video/dat-zie-ik-niet-bij-keepers-van-oranje/105065447.html) He believes Roefs is pushing the Brighton goalkeeper hard for Netherlands’ number one shirt.
Verbruggen established himself as number one for the Dutch in Euro 2024. His performances before that tournament led Koeman to hand him the role full-time. He had previously battled Mark Flekken and Justin Bijlow for the position.
He went on to start every game at that tournament and was key as they made it to the semi-finals. Praise followed, particularly after he became the youngest goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet in Euro history.
But the Brighton goalkeeper now faces increased competition from Roefs. He’s shone at Sunderland this season after joining them from NEC Nijmegen in the summer transfer window.
He’s in the squad for this international break, likely as the new number two behind Verbruggen given his form for Sunderland so far.
But Driessen thinks that could change in future. He doesn’t see an immediate change coming but predicts Koeman could be waiting for an opportunity instead.
“I don’t think Verbrugge has really fallen through the cracks with the Dutch national team. Initially, I thought he also scored points for the Dutch team,” he said.
“Right now, he’s a bit less successful on the ball. Yes, he waits a long time, but he shows that; it’s also one of his strengths before starting the build-up.
“People often look at him with a squint, but he never really falls through the cracks, so I completely understand Koeman’s protection for him. He’s also a talented young goalkeeper, and Robin Roefs played for the Dutch U21s.
“There’s no guarantee at all that putting him in goal for the Dutch national team would improve things significantly. I think Koeman is just waiting for Verbruggen to have a bad run. And then he might consider bringing on Roefs.”