Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen has been warned that his position as the Netherlands’ No.1 could soon come under threat from Sunderland star Robin Roefs, according to De Telegraaf journalist Valentijn Driessen.
Verbruggen has held the starting role for the Dutch national team since before Euro 2024, where his outstanding performances helped Ronald Koeman’s side reach the semi-finals. However, his form this season — while steady — has invited pressure from emerging talents, with Roefs’ meteoric rise at Sunderland catching the national selectors’ attention.
Driessen: “Koeman is waiting for Verbruggen to have a bad run”
In his latest column for De Telegraaf, Driessen suggested that while Koeman remains supportive of Verbruggen, he is keeping a close eye on Roefs’ progress and could make a change if the Brighton goalkeeper falters.
“I don’t think Verbruggen has really fallen through the cracks with the Dutch national team. Initially, I thought he also scored points for the Dutch team,” Driessen explained.
“Right now, he’s a bit less successful on the ball. Yes, he waits a long time, but he shows that; it’s also one of his strengths before starting the build-up.
People often look at him with a squint, but he never really falls through the cracks, so I completely understand Koeman’s protection for him.”
However, Driessen also hinted that Koeman may be quietly preparing for a potential switch in the near future.
“There’s no guarantee at all that putting Roefs in goal would improve things significantly. But I think Koeman is just waiting for Verbruggen to have a bad run. And then he might consider bringing on Roefs.”
Roefs rising fast with Sunderland
Roefs’ sensational start to life in the Premier League has fuelled talk of a possible shake-up between the posts for the Dutch national team. Since joining Sunderland from NEC Nijmegen for €10.5 million in the summer, the 22-year-old has kept four clean sheets in 11 games, helping Régis Le Bris’ side climb to 4th place in the table.
His command of the area and quick reflexes have impressed both fans and pundits in England, and his performances earned him a senior call-up to Koeman’s squad for this month’s international break — likely as the new No.2 behind Verbruggen.
| Player Comparison (2025/26) | Bart Verbruggen | Robin Roefs |
|---|---|---|
| Club | Brighton | Sunderland |
| Age | 23 | 22 |
| Appearances | 12 | 11 |
| Clean Sheets | 3 | 4 |
| Save % | 76% | 81% |
| Goals Prevented (xG metric) | +1.4 | +2.6 |
source: De Telegraaf / Premier League data – 12 November 2025
Verbruggen still backed by Koeman
Despite mounting pressure, Driessen made it clear that Koeman continues to back Verbruggen as his first-choice goalkeeper, citing his composure and distribution as crucial to the Dutch playing style.
“He’s also a talented young goalkeeper, and Koeman’s protection of him makes sense,” Driessen said. “He’s shown before that he can handle pressure at the highest level.”
Still, with Roefs’ rapid development in England, the Dutch boss may soon face a difficult decision if Verbruggen’s form dips in the coming months.
Our View: Healthy competition good for the Netherlands
In our view, the rivalry between Verbruggen and Roefs is a win-win for the Netherlands. Verbruggen’s calmness and technical ability make him ideal for Koeman’s system, but Roefs’ agility and confidence have introduced healthy competition that could push both goalkeepers to even higher standards.
For now, Verbruggen remains safe — but the growing influence of Roefs suggests the position is no longer guaranteed.
Key Insights
- Journalist Valentijn Driessen believes Koeman is “waiting for a mistake” to replace Verbruggen.
- Robin Roefs’ stellar start at Sunderland has made him a genuine contender for the No.1 shirt.
- Verbruggen remains Koeman’s first-choice, but his form is under scrutiny.
- Both goalkeepers are among Europe’s brightest young talents.
- Netherlands could face a long-term goalkeeping transition in 2026.
What’s Next
Verbruggen is expected to start the Netherlands’ next matches against Lithuania, but all eyes will be on how Koeman manages his goalkeepers. Roefs’ form for Sunderland ensures the competition for the Oranje gloves will only intensify heading into next year’s World Cup qualifiers.
👉 Dutch fans — should Koeman stick with Verbruggen for stability or give Roefs a chance to prove himself?
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