Senne Lammens' Composure Shines in Man Utd's Victory Over Everton
Manchester United's young goalkeeper Senne Lammens has drawn significant praise following his display in a narrow win against Everton, though not for the reasons one might expect. While some observers named him player of the match, a closer look reveals his true value lies in calmness rather than spectacular saves.
Praise Amidst a Limited Threat
Everton manager David Moyes described Lammens as 'bloody brilliant' and labelled him the opposition's best player after the game. However, this accolade came against an Everton side that has struggled offensively this season, with only three teams scoring fewer Premier League goals. The expected goals figure for Everton in this match was a mere 0.62, indicating Lammens faced few serious chances.
His key contributions included comfortably collecting a long-range free-kick from James Garner, tipping over a distant effort from Michael Keane, and handling corner-kicks under physical pressure. Yet, these actions were solid rather than sensational, highlighting that his performance was more about reliability than heroics.
Carrick's Emphasis on Calmness
Manager Michael Carrick has been vocal in praising Lammens for his calmness and composure, qualities that are increasingly vital in modern goalkeeping. Carrick noted, 'Instead of creating the chaos, you want the keeper to take the chaos away. It is a big role. The calmness and composure helps an awful lot.' This philosophy mirrors Carrick's own approach at United, where he has instilled a steadier hand on the team's tiller.
At just 23 years old, the Belgian goalkeeper appears remarkably level-headed, avoiding the intensity and rashness that can plague younger players. His £18 million transfer from Royal Antwerp now looks like fantastic value, as he develops a stronger understanding with his outfield teammates each match.
A Stabilising Force in Defence
The reason for Lammens' deserved praise is clear: he brings an air of assurance to a defensive unit that is growing more secure under Carrick's guidance. This stability is crucial for a United side that has won five of its last six games, with Lammens' composed presence helping to solidify the backline.
Unlike goalkeepers who thrive on dramatic saves, Lammens excels by minimising risks and maintaining order. His performance on the banks of the River Mersey exemplified this, as he effectively 'took the chaos away' rather than adding to it. This aligns perfectly with Carrick's vision for the team, where composure is prized over chaos.
As United continues to soar in the Premier League, Lammens' role as a calming influence cannot be overstated. While he may not have been the flashiest player on the pitch, his contribution to the team's defensive cohesion and overall success is undeniable, making him a key figure in Carrick's evolving squad.
