Liverpool fans should be excited after £30m youngster delivers superb international break
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Liverpool fans will be relieved to see the back of the international break, with all eyes now on a mouth-watering clash with Manchester City on Sunday.There were a few clear negatives of the break, mainly injury concerns over Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Jeremy Jacquet, but there were also some big positives to note as well. Beyond the first-team, though, Liverpool fans may also have missed the performances of new £30m goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans, who impressed for Belgium U21s.
Jurgen Klopp was appointed as manager of Liverpool 11 years ago today! Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images Brughmans racks up a hat-trick of clean sheetsAfter they signed him for a big fee right at the end of the summer transfer window, there have since been claims that Liverpool think Brughmans is the best young goalkeeper in the world.
The 18-year-old is already a starter for Genk, one of Belgium’s biggest clubs, and looks destined for a career with the senior national team as the long-term successor to Thibaut Courtois.For now, however, the youngster is playing for the U21s, already an impressive feat given his young age, and he played all three of their fixtures during the September/October break.Liverpool fans will be excited to note that the teenager did not concede a single goal against Belarus, Wales or Denmark, showcasing just what a big talent he is.Obviously, Brughmans cannot take sole credit for that himself, but it is another step in the right direction for a player who could be a big part of Liverpool’s future.Brughmans was brilliant for Genk against Anderlecht just before the international break, and having carried his good form into his national team performances, there will be a growing anticipation for his arrival at Anfield in 2027.Given the slightly uninspiring options for Mark van Bommel’s senior team in the absence of the semi-retired Courtois, it would be no surprise if Brughmans joins up for his first call-up during the November break. Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox