MY ACCOUNT
The Netherlands’ three goalkeepers have just eight caps between them — and it remains unclear which stopper will start at the World Cup.
Head coach Louis van Gaal has selected Remko Pasveer, Justin Bijlow and Andries Noppert ahead of more experienced options like Jasper Cillessen.
The Dutch tactician will hope a lack of consistency between the sticks does not cost his side after causing quite a stir with his decision.
Ahead of the Netherlands’ opening group stage game against Senegal, we assess each of the Oranje’s three goalkeeping candidates.
Remko Pasveer
At first glance, selecting Ajax’s first-choice goalkeeper does not appear to be a particularly contentious decision.
However, it raises eyebrows because of Pasveer’s international experience relative to his age — he is 39 years old and won each of his only two caps just two months ago.
Stylistically, though, he clearly fits the bill.
The 6ft 2in custodian is comfortable with the ball at his feet and is regularly involved in build-up play with the reigning Eredivisie champions — far more than his two competitors.
Furthermore, he is adept at coming off his line to sweep up behind the defence. Van Gaal will prize both those qualities as the Netherlands look to dominate the ball in Qatar.
Justin Bijlow
Bijlow is the least surprising selection of the three.
The 24-year-old has more caps (six) than either of his competitors and is the starting goalkeeper for Eredivisie table-toppers Feyenoord.
His seven clean sheets are the most of any custodian in the Dutch top flight.
However, of the three goalkeepers, he is the least involved with the ball at club level — and that could count against him in his bid for a World Cup starting spot.
Andries Noppert
Possibly the most left-field selection of the three is 28-year-old Noppert — primarily because he has never featured for the Netherlands.
Unlike his Eredivisie title-chasing counterparts, Noppert plays for eighth-placed Heerenveen.
As a result, he is used to facing more shots than the other two goalkeepers in the squad, while also commanding his area on the occasions that his side are forced to sit deep.
Looking for clues
It may be tempting to speculate that the shirt numbers Van Gaal has assigned his players are an indication of where he sees them in the pecking order.
However, the veteran manager was quick to discredit that theory in a pre-tournament news conference.
He said: “In general, I discuss [the reasons for shirt numbers] with the players, not now. I gave the players a number that fits their age.
“That’s no joke. I never tell jokes at a press conference, I explain how I did that.
“That has to do with age, that’s why I give that answer.”
The oldest — Pasveer — has been handed the No1 shirt but the youngest — Bijlow — will wear No13, with 28-year-old Noppert donning No23.
Who gets the nod?
Pasveer’s profile — coupled with Van Gaal calling him up for two Nations League games in September — suggests that he is the best stylistic fit for the side and is most likely to be selected against Senegal.
Bijlow has youth on his side but a lack of experience playing with the ball at his feet in domestic football is likely to count against him.
Noppert, meanwhile, is the only uncapped member of the trio — and it would be particularly bold of Van Gaal to give the Heerenveen stopper his first in the Netherlands’ tournament opener.
