Tom Heaton Expects Senne Lammens to Emerge Stronger from World Cup Experience
Senne Lammens will return from his World Cup disappointment as a better goalkeeper, according to his Manchester United teammate Tom Heaton.
Lammens made a critical error in Belgium’s 2-1 quarter-final loss to Spain, where he spilled a 25-yard shot from Pau Cubarsi, allowing Mikel Merino to score the decisive goal in the 88th minute.
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Lammens had entered the match as a substitute for the injured Thibaut Courtois, marking his only appearance at the tournament.
Following the match, Heaton expressed confidence in Lammens’s ability to recover from the setback. “It was obviously a challenging moment for him, but I think that’s the life of a goalkeeper,” Heaton said after United’s 1-0 pre-season friendly defeat to Wrexham in Helsinki.
Senne Lammens was distraught after his World Cup error sent Belgium home (Getty)
“As soon as you put the gloves on and go between the sticks, you have to be ready to deal with that. He certainly is. I actually think he’ll be stronger for it,” Heaton added.
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“I think his personality is fantastic for a goalkeeper, so no issues there. It’s obviously disappointing for him, but I do honestly think it can help him in the long run.”
Goalkeepers are aware that mistakes can lead to goals and affect the outcome of matches. Heaton is convinced that Lammens possesses the right mindset to succeed at the top level.
“I’ve certainly seen that from him as a young goalkeeper coming into Manchester United and dealing with that unbelievably well,” Heaton expressed. “I highly doubt he’ll be going into (the next match) with fear or worrying about what may happen.
“It’s more about what you want to go and achieve, whilst also accepting if it happens you can deal with it.”
Tom Heaton has back his goalkeeping colleague to bounce back (PA Wire)
Heaton signed a new one-year contract this summer and is set to remain as United’s third-choice goalkeeper following the arrival of Karl Darlow, with Altay Bayindir likely to depart.
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After Michael Carrick led United to a third-place finish and ensured Champions League football, the team aims to maintain its momentum going into the new season.
“It feels like we’ve got some momentum,” Heaton noted. “Obviously, it’s been a bit of a strange (pre-season) with the World Cup players gradually rejoining the squad, so that’ll be staggered.
“But it’s just about continuing that momentum and ensuring we get everyone up to speed as quickly as we can.”
Heaton played the first half in Helsinki, witnessing new signing Andrey Santos’ first appearance in a Manchester United shirt.
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“I thought he did well,” Heaton said. “I think he’s been excellent this week in training.
“He’s been good at coming to receive the ball, understanding the play, and adapting to that midfield role where he anticipates bounces and positions himself to play forward. I’ve been really impressed with that, especially in the early days when everyone is finding their feet. That’s been positive, and long may it continue.”