Verbruggen in top form: focuses on the present, not the future

During the meeting in Zeist, where Dutch internationals reported yesterday, Bart Verbruggen stood out as being in top form. The 24‑year‑old goalkeeper has been a staple in the Dutch team for years and one of the best keepers in the Premier League. He said: “I feel like I’m in a good place and I’ve got good form.”

Club performances and statistics

With Brighton & Hove Albion, Verbruggen is second in the English competition after an excellent run. He contributed a large share himself: no other keeper in the Premier League kept a clean sheet more often this season than he did, with seven times. In addition, he has the highest passing accuracy of 77 percent among all Premier League keepers.

Verbruggen also blocks many balls. He stated: “It’s naturally always a great feeling when you play well and reach a high level.” He added that the season is very busy, which makes him focus on what lies day to day.

Verbruggen now has 37 caps for the Netherlands and has been the first‑choice under the bar for several years. He recalled that the previous national coach Ronald Koeman already expressed confidence in him. He said that the new manager has also indicated that he is the number one. About Xavi he noted: “He comes with his own ideas, is very clear and gives the feeling that we are building.”

Mental focus and future plans

The question is no longer whether Verbruggen will move to a top club, but when. He said: “At Brighton we are doing very well, so it would be a waste to ruin that by living in the future.” He tries to stay in the moment, focusing on the present and thus performing at his best.

He admits to dreaming of titles, but believes that evaluation only comes when the moment arrives. He thinks that living in the past or the future diminishes performance, so he continues to focus on the beautiful life of now.