Bart Verbruggen said in Zeist that he was in strong form with Brighton & Hove Albion and was trying to focus on the present rather than a possible future move to a top club. Brighton were reported to be second in the English league after an excellent run, with Verbruggen having kept the most clean sheets in the Premier League this season, seven, and recording the highest passing accuracy among goalkeepers at 77 percent.

The 24-year-old goalkeeper, who has 37 international appearances, remains the Netherlands’ regular first choice. He said Ronald Koeman had previously shown confidence in him and that the new coach had also confirmed him as the number one during the previous international period. Verbruggen added that the team was building under Xavi and said he would consider titles and any transfer only when the time came.