MU surprised the last day of the summer transfer period when signing a contract with goalkeeper Senne Lambens. In the context of the wooden frame at Old Trafford is being considered with too many problems, this deal has both the appearance of a temporary solution, and contains expectations of a new “Courtois” in the future.
From “forgotten talent” to the turning point Old Trafford
Lampens, 23, was once considered one of the brightest young goalkeepers in Belgium. Growing up from the Club Brugge training furnace, he impressed with a height of 1m93, quickly reflexively and the ability to master the penalty area.
However, the fierce competition in Brugge made Lambens not have many main opportunities to catch, forcing him to find new stops at Antwerp.
Here, Lambens gradually given the opportunity and proves himself in both Belgian and European Cup. Although not reaching the star range, but stable performance, plus modern technical platform (good ball launch, confident play), helped him to the sights of the Premier League scouts.
And MU, after a long time of searching, decided to “take action” on the last day of the transfer period to recruit the Belgian talent.
Why does MU need lampens?
In fact, the goalkeeper has haunted MU for many years. David de Gea left, Andrre Onana came but encountered many doubts about stability. The Red Devils goalkeepers like Bayindir or Heaton also have problems. While Heaton is too old and has never reached the highest level, Bayindir shows the weakness in catching the ball and inexperienced.
MU needs a more reliable option, both to create competition and to prepare for the long -term future. Lampens is the one who can meet those two requirements. He is young, has the potential for development and more importantly possesses a quite different style of catching golf.
While Onana is about launching, sometimes too risky, Lambens are strong in the ability to read the situation, handle the ball phase and keep the calm in the wooden frame. This is the inherent weakness that MU has repeatedly paid the price, especially in the stressful matches in the Premier League.
Besides the professional factor, Lampens also brings a balance to the dressing room. He is not a famous star, but has the desire to rise.
The presence of a goalkeeper who is “thirsty” is the motivation to create positive pressure for Onana, who have been criticized many times for the erratic performance.
“New Courtois” and potential story
The Belgian media used to call Lampens “new Courtois”, not only because of the tall physique, but also by the cold and sure in the face -to -face phase. Of course, to reach the level of Thibaut Courtois is a very long journey, but that comparison partly reflects the potential of Lampens.
Having played for Belgian and Lambens youth teams that are expected to enter the competition in the national team in the next few years.
Joining a stature club like MU can be considered an important turning point. If he took advantage of the opportunity, Old Trafford would be the place to make a new “Courtois” comparison into reality.
After all, MU has chosen a smart gamble: the cost is not too high, the risk is not large, but the reward can be extremely worthy.
In the context of modern football, finding a young goalkeeper quality, ready to wait for the time, is not easy. Lampens may not be “perfect guardian” immediately, but he is definitely a contract worth waiting for.