Senne Lammens seized his opportunity on international duty with Belgium.
An injury to Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois provided Senne Lammens with a chance to start for Belgium on international duty.
Lammens had only one previous appearance, but he got the nod over Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels for their friendly against the USA.
Courtois is expected to return to fitness for the World Cup, but Manchester United’s Lammens has been busy showing that he is capable of deputising, and that he is Belgium’s long-term solution.
Lammens impressed the Belgian media in their 5-2 victory over USA, and he has even been compared to Courtois. Now he has given his response.
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Senne Lammens on Thibaut Courtois comparisons
Thibaut Courtois has amassed 107 caps for Belgium and played at the World Cup for his country in 2014, 2018 and 2022.
Lammens was told about the Courtois comparisons after the USA friendly, and tried to put them into perspective.
He told Voetbal Krant: ““It is nice to be compared to Courtois. I will try to confirm that in the future.
“I just try to do my job and be there when needed. That worked out well today, but now I have to keep confirming that.
“It is up to me to keep proving myself and be ready when the coach needs me.”
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Lammens shows the right mindset
Senne Lammens is not going to get carried away by lofty comparisons, and his measured response was perfect.
He made it clear that he has to keep on justifying the positive feedback, and has to impress his coach above all else.
Lammens is used to this at Manchester United, after fans issued Peter Schmeichel chants when he kept a clean sheet on his debut.
The goalkeeper has continued to draw praise over the course of the season, standing out as one of United’s most consistent players, and impacting those around him in a positive manner.
He has taken the challenge of playing for a huge club in his stride, and it is no surprise to see him adapt so well at international level too.
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