Man Utd goalkeeper Lammens praised after Belgium's 3-0 win over Turkey
The short version
- Belgium beat Turkey 3-0 in the UEFA Nations League on Friday behind a strong showing from goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
- Lammens has started all three matches this window with two clean sheets and one goal conceded while Thibaut Courtois, fit and available, sits out.
- Het Nieuwsblad called Lammens 'a nightmare' for Arda Guler after eight saves and 13 recoveries against Turkey.
- Lammens has conceded eight goals with no clean sheet in Manchester United's first five Premier League games.
- Belgium face France on Monday, Oct. 5 at 2:45 PM EDT at the Stade de France.
Senne Lammens earned glowing reviews after Belgium's 3-0 Nations League win over Turkey and is expected to keep his place against France on Monday.
Belgium eased past Turkey 3-0 in their UEFA Nations League meeting on Friday, and much of the post-match reaction centered on goalkeeper Senne Lammens. Reviews in the Belgian press were strong for a player whose international starts have been infrequent. The win also added to what has been a productive break for the 24-year-old, who plays his club football at Manchester United.
His run in the side has an unusual origin. Thibaut Courtois, who is fit and available, declined the invitation to take part in this month's Nations League fixtures. With his senior teammate out of the picture, the door opened for Lammens to press his case for the No. 1 job, and he has taken the chance.
The results have been hard to argue with. Lammens has started all three of Belgium's matches during the window, keeping two clean sheets and conceding only one goal. Friday's shutout of Turkey was the latest entry, and he is expected to keep his place for Monday's game against France before returning to his club with renewed confidence.
The underlying numbers against Turkey help explain the acclaim. A product of Club Brugge, Lammens recorded eight saves and 13 recoveries over the course of the match — a heavy workload for a fixture his country won by a three-goal margin.
Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad delivered one of the more pointed verdicts. The outlet wrote that Lammens had “proved for the third consecutive match” that he is “worthy of the national team coach's trust,” and that he “makes the saves he is supposed to make.” The review also described him as “a nightmare” for Turkey's Arda Guler.
Lammens addressed the situation himself last week. He said Courtois had not been discussed much inside the group and that the emphasis belonged on the current matches and the players in camp. “I think I am the number one now,” Lammens said. “It is important that I perform well and am ready immediately. I cannot control what the future holds. But I can control my performances.”
The contrast with his club season is sharp. Lammens has conceded eight goals across Manchester United's opening five Premier League games and is still waiting on a clean sheet at club level. Michael Carrick will be hoping the form shown during the international break carries over when the goalkeeper swaps back into United colors next weekend.
Monday's meeting with France may also feed into the debate over Belgium's goalkeeping future. Lammens has said he considers himself the number one at present, while acknowledging that decisions beyond this window are out of his control. Courtois, for his part, remains fit and available.
Belgium finish the window against France on Monday, October 5 at 2:45 PM EDT at the Stade de France.
Games to watch
