Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens is embracing the physical intensity of the Premier League after helping his side secure a hard-fought 1-0 win at Everton.
Monday’s encounter at the Hill Dickinson Stadium saw Everton crowding his six-yard box during a string of corners and testing the 23-year-old Belgian with several long-range attempts.
Previously with Royal Antwerp, Lammens held firm, continuing an impressive start to his Premier League career.
While many overseas goalkeepers struggle with the league’s physicality, Lammens says he enjoys the challenge, noting it plays to his strengths.
“For me, it’s just the way it is,” he said Thursday. “It is the Premier League. It’s also physicality and, like you say, a bit of war in the (penalty box). It’s also one of my strengths, so sometimes I like the challenge as well.”
He added that dealing with crowded situations gives him a good sense of accomplishment: “Even though there were a lot of bodies next to me, I still came from crosses so that also gives me a good feeling that I’m doing well and doing those things well.”
United signed Lammens for £18 million ($24 million) on transfer deadline day in September, with the 6ft 4in (1.93 metres) keeper displacing Altay Bayindir as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper under caretaker manager Michael Carrick.
Despite this being only his second season in senior football, Lammens has adjusted well to the high-profile environment at Manchester United.
“I said a couple of weeks ago that I couldn’t really imagine it going any better,” he explained. “But also I don’t really want to look too much to the past. It’s been great but I still have to prove myself every week.”
