Why Verbruggen Is the Most Underrated Goalkeeper In the League

On a Saturday evening, millions up and down the country sit down to watch the day’s fixtures on BBC’s Match of the Day. Eventually, when the Brighton game comes on, a simple sentence inevitably echoes through the homes of those fans. Every single week.

“What a save by Verbruggen”

Dutch Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen has become an integral piece of Brighton’s defence. It’s not far-fetched to say that he is one of the most under-rated Goalkeepers in the Premier League. Since signing in 2023, he has solidified himself as The Netherlands’ number one and a fan favourite for the Albion. However, it’s important to realise it hasn’t entirely been smooth sailing for the Dutchman.

In his first season, Verbruggen played 27 times in all competitions, conceding 33 goals. His season was shared with the experienced Jason Steele, rotating every few games to give them both acceptable opportunities in the first team. At the time, it was easy to label Verbruggen as mistake-prone due to his inexperience. Though, the guidance from Steele undoubtably created a better player.

Some of Steele’s best traits involve his command over his defence and his immaculate distribution, making him a perfect fit for Brighton’s expansive playstyle. Before working with Steele, Verbruggen was good with the ball at his feet. However, improved after working alongside Steele. For example, his 73.4% accurate passes grew to 85.6% in his first season at Brighton as per FotMob.

During the 2024/25 season, he solidified himself as Brighton’s number one. It was another season of learning and growth for Verbruggen, being part of a team who came agonizingly close to European football, and a trip to Wembley. His 60 conceded goals drew criticism from some fans, though It’s important to realise that Brighton played a very high line that season. This would often leave Verbruggen exposed to one-on-ones. I believe that this is where I think Verbruggen developed a trait seen several times this season – his terrific shot stopping when under pressure.

Verbruggen has managed to keep Brighton in games all season. Whilst it's easy to look at players like Pascal Gross and Luka Vuskovic who are having terrific seasons, Verbruggen is doing the dirty work in the background. A terrific stop in the first leg of the Conference League playoff round kept Brighton alive, allowing Albion to run riot at the AMEX a week later. Clean sheets against Villa, Coventry and Arsenal showed his quality too. His save percentage is higher than some of the best Goalkeepers in the world, beating World Cup winners David Raya and Emiliano Martinez. He has also prevented 2.5 goals more than he should’ve done, as per FotMob.

However, his performance in the 4-3 loss against Chelsea drew criticism. I believe this was hugely unnecessary. 80% of the goals Verbruggen has conceded this season was in that game alone. Whilst he does occasionally make mistakes, I believe it’s better to look the positives of his game. As previously mentioned, his distribution is one of the best. His passion is unreal too, as seen away at Coventry – where he celebrated in font of the Albion fans after every second-half goal. Verbruggen is easily a top Premier League Goalkeeper, and Brighton are very lucky to have him in-between the sticks.