Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens played the whole 90 minutes for Belgium during their 5-2 international friendly win over the United States of America.
The USA had the better start with home advantage, and Lammens made a couple of key saves early on. The scores were level at the interval (1-1), but Belgium were superior after the break.
Speaking after the 5-2 victory in Atlanta, Lammens was pleased to get the nod between the sticks with Real Madrid star Thibaut Courtois on the sidelines due to injury.
The United ace said that there are clearly many good goalkeepers in Belgium, and he is happy to be the number two to Courtois heading into the World Cup this summer.
He said: “There are clearly many good goalkeepers in Belgium. I am trying to seize my opportunity, and I am happy to be number 2 after Thibaut.
“I hope to finish as high as possible in the pecking order. Today, I certainly showed what I have already learned in England. I have experience and I am keeping goal with a lot of confidence.”
Lammens was out of the national team picture when the season started, but he has certainly built his reputation with his consistent performances in the Premier League.
The 23-year-old had a good outing for the Red Devils yesterday. Aside from his three saves, he completed an impressive 28 passes with an accuracy of 78 percent.
Lammens also delivered seven successful long balls with three recoveries. His performance was lauded by the Belgian press for limiting the damage, particularly in the first half.
He seems to have jumped ahead of Nottingham Forest’s Matz Sels in the pecking order and could be the deputy to Courtois between the sticks at the summer World Cup.
Courtois is presently out of action with a muscle injury until May. The former Chelsea man is widely expected to be Belgium’s no.1 for the tournament, barring a setback.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com