**[Brighton and Hove Albion](https://sportwitness.co.uk/brighton/) goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen would not look out of place at Barcelona or Real Madrid.**
That’s the opinion of Maarten Stekelenburg, who has been busy praising the Brighton star despite the Netherlands’ exit from the World Cup. [His comments were made to De Telegraaf.](https://www.telegraaf.nl/sport/voetbal/verliezend-wk-finalist-maarten-stekelenburg-zet-oranje-doelman-in-zijn-top-5-bart-verbruggen-misstaat-niet-bij-real-madrid-of-bayern-munchen%E2%80%A8%E2%80%A8/157951370.html)
**Netherlands star**
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The 23-year-old was undeniably the Netherlands’ best performer in their 1-1 draw with Morocco on Monday evening. He made a number of excellent saves in the game, before a truly world class save to deny Soufiane Rahimi a winner for the African nation.
He was then unlucky during the subsequent penalty shoot-out, with one conceded penalty striking his heel and going in after he had saved it.
It was a disappointing moment for the Brighton man, who had tried his utmost to keep Ronald Koeman’s side in the tournament. Indeed, it could be argued he was among the best at the tournament for the Dutch. Stekelenburg, who was a Dutch international himself and a World Cup finalist, was certainly left impressed.
_“In my view, Bart is an excellent goalkeeper,”_ he said.
_“He’s very calm and seems relaxed, even though this was his first World Cup. And he’s really just doing what he needs to do. If you’re a goalkeeper who can cope with the pressure, you can also exude a sense of calm._
_“That’s good for defenders and for the whole team. You don’t want someone behind you causing a stir. That’s why I really enjoy watching Verbruggen play.”_
**Barcelona or Real Madrid**
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In fact, he is convinced that some of the biggest clubs in Europe should be interested in the Brighton number one.
He doesn’t think Bart Verbruggen would look out of place if he were to make such a move.
_“He would certainly be right at home at top clubs like FC Barcelona or Real Madrid,”_ he added.
_“I don’t know whether I’d advise him to do so but try saying ‘no’ to Real Madrid or Bayern Munich. It’s a very difficult choice – and one that could shape the rest of his career. He shouldn’t take it lightly.”_