Senne Lammens wants to prove to Diables Courtois isn’t the only one

In the corridors of the Stadio Olimpico, Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens displayed a new confidence, determined to prove to the Red Devils that Thibaut Courtois is not the only Belgian goalkeeper of quality. After his decisive mistake against Spain in the quarter‑final in Los Angeles on July 10, he took advantage of his return to the national team to reassure the supporters.

A return marked by a clean sheet

During the match against Italy in Rome, Lammens actively contributed to the clean sheet in the second half, making several top‑class saves. Christophe Franken notes that “he responded on the pitch,” recalling the goalkeeper’s reaction after the defeat to Spain.

The twenty‑four‑year‑old said: “It was a special match for me. I wanted to show that I have qualities and I succeeded. After the World Cup, it hasn’t been easy for me…”.

Ambitions and competition

Lammens admits living the situation “day by day” and shields himself from the outside world, but he has received a lot of support, in his own words. He acknowledges the presence of many good goalkeepers in Belgium, while specifying that his main competitor remains Thibaut Courtois, whose return is expected in 2027.

“I’m not really sure if I’m the starter. There are many good goalkeepers in Belgium,” he confided, noting that Mike Penders does not play at Chelsea, thus reducing the direct competition.

The goalkeeper also mentioned the difficulties of a complicated start to the season at Manchester United, but he says he arrived at this gathering with a “fresh mindset” and the desire to show the Belgians that there is more than Courtois as a quality goalkeeper.

The original text, published by Sports Football, was accompanied by a photo credited to BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM, illustrating the moment when Lammens responded on the pitch.