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Belgian stopper won the Golden Glove in 2024/25
'Keeper speaks ahead of Belgium's clash with Wales
"In every game he played this season, he has been outstanding, he should be really proud of how he performed.”
Matz Sels played every minute in the Premier League in the 2024/25 campaign, and his teammate Wayne Hennessey believes the Belgian's consistency has been his best trait.
“I’ve always believed the biggest thing in the Premier League is consistency, and I thought throughout the whole campaign he was outstanding. It wasn’t just in the league, he obviously also played a major role in our cup progress, he was superb in the penalty shoot-outs.”
It was in the league that Matz was rewarded for the team’s defensive solidity, winning the Golden Glove. In doing so, he made history. As well as becoming the first player outside of Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and the two Manchester clubs to win the Golden Glove since its inception, he is also the first Forest player to win any of the Premier League’s three Golden awards.
“It's an amazing achievement”, Hennessey adds. “The Golden Glove normally goes to a team in the top six, and most often to the champions. For Matz to have won it is incredible and we are all so happy for him.”
Forest's success this season was propelled by a solid foundation, and on receiving the award, Matz echoed the comments of the Head Coach, Nuno Espírito Santo, saying the impressive number of clean sheets was a result of everyone's hard work. Nevertheless, the former Wales no. 1 has been impressed with the Belgian's all-round game.
“Every part of his game is excellent, which he proved in this season just gone. The shot-stopping, coming off his line to catch, dealing with set pieces, the decision-making, he handled everything really well. For me, he is one of the best in the league. I watch goalkeepers all the time and I think he is definitely up there. His record and the team’s performances prove that.”
In a season full of great moments for the Belgian stopper, Wayne believes Matz’s continued adaption to the Premier League and willingness to learn best explains his fantastic form.
“The quarter final was amazing, but it’s difficult to pinpoint one moment of Matz’s season that stands out because his all-round game has been good all year.
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“In the Premier League, everything is quick, so for him to adjust how he has, coming from the French league, which is a good league, is impressive. Everything that happens in the game here is just at an extra pace. And from a goalkeeper’s point of view, he has settled in really well and grown ever since.”
“He is a very hard worker, that hasn’t changed from the first day he came through the door here until the last Chelsea game. Every day he pushes himself and he is a pleasure to work alongside. He’s also really willing to learn. We say as goalkeepers that every day is a learning day and Matz lives that way.
“Rui Barbosa is a fantastic goalkeeping coach and every day we work hard together, and that’s not just on the grass or in the gym. It’s also in the meeting room, watching clips, thinking about what we’ve done well, what we can improve on. Matz is good at embracing that which is a credit to himself.”
Before Forest, Matz spent five and a half years Strasbourg, making close 175 appearances for the French side and was made captain in his last year at the club. That leadership role is something Wayne notes as supporting his development.
Matz Sels - Belgium
Matz Sels - Belgium
“We at Forest have benefited from Matz’s time in France. He came here and settled in quickly. He adjusted well and has grown ever since and is getting better and better. Him being captain at Strasbourg helped him a lot. Now at Forest, he’s vocal, he understands the game really well and has a fantastic relationship with all the players.
“The players all respect him. He’s not old, but he’s at an age where he has learned a lot about the game, about himself, about what he needs and what other players need and that experience helps.”
Despite the high praise, as Matz Sels’ Belgium gear up for a game against Wales, Hennessey is hoping Sels’ impressive unbeaten run playing for Belgium comes to an end.
“He will understand, he knows I’m a true Welshman! He can win on Friday, but hopefully not on Monday!
Given the challenge to get into the starting XI for his national team, Wayne has been impressed with Matz’s attitude towards playing for his country.
“Matz has never complained about the situation. He knows it’s an honour to be selected for your country. If you don’t get the nod, then you have to support the team no matter what and he is a top character, so he will be supporting whether he plays or not."
Looking to the future, Wayne is convinced Matz can continue to be a crucial member of the team’s progress.
“He can keep his level for years to come. The way he works and manages himself, he’s got a fantastic attitude, he never gives up, and he can keep playing at the highest level for a while yet. He is enjoying his football, and he loves being here at Forest.”