By Martin Graham
Manchester United wrapped up the transfer window by bringing in Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp, choosing him instead of Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez. The question is how capable the Belgian goalkeeper is now and whether he can grow into a long-term option between the posts.
Statistically, he stood out last season. United officials have pointed to metrics such as reliability in claiming aerial deliveries, his ability to stop shots, and the fact he rarely commits mistakes leading to goals. Out of all goalkeepers across Europe’s ten strongest divisions, he made the most saves (173) and recorded a 77.4% save rate.
Expected goals data also underlines his impact: he was forecast to concede 66.4 goals but actually allowed 48, meaning he prevented 18.4 goals in total. That ranked him second across Europe. These numbers look exceptional but must be assessed alongside video footage to understand the context.
Handling 1v1s and shots from distance
When it comes to duels with attackers, Lammens has a clear approach. In longer one-on-ones, he comes off his line quickly once the striker reaches the box, then stops and makes himself large. This forces opponents to commit first rather than letting him dive too early, which reduces the chance of a penalty or simple tap-in. The drawback is that if the attacker shoots before he sets himself, gaps appear either side of him.
In tighter one-on-ones, his wide stance and long reach make him difficult to beat. He uses his legs effectively to block shots in a style reminiscent of a barrier technique, which, combined with quick reflexes, allows him to cover a lot of the goal.
From outside the box, Lammens often positions himself slightly ahead of the goal line. That reduces the available target for the shooter and can make efforts into the corners easier to stop. Often, he handles such attempts with apparent comfort. However, taking up this advanced stance means less reaction time when shots come through crowds or unexpectedly. In those cases, standing closer to the line showcases his quick reactions to greater effect.
Crosses, set-pieces and distribution
One of his statistical strengths is dealing with crosses. He was rated first across Europe’s top leagues for cross-stopping (13.2%). This came largely from stepping out confidently to collect balls into the area, particularly in less crowded situations, where his 6ft 4in frame gave him a big advantage.
From corners, however, this same aggressive approach was less reliable. He conceded eight times from 85 corners faced, which translates to around 9%. Compared to Premier League keepers, that figure is mid-range: 15 did better, while 12 fared worse. By contrast, Martínez conceded just two from 60 corners, while André Onana at United last season let in 17.2% of corners faced. The Premier League’s physicality and varied routines could test Lammens further, though his height and determination suggest room for improvement with coaching.
On the ball, he is comfortable with either foot. In build-up play, he can shift the ball quickly from left to right without needing to switch to his stronger foot. His long passes are more accurate when played across his body to the left side, though passes to the right are less reliable. Under pressure, he usually clears long into contested zones rather than finding teammates directly, which increases the risk of turnovers. That said, he makes himself available for passes and retains composure even when pressed, helping his defence circulate the ball with confidence.
Verdict on his potential
The numbers make Lammens look outstanding, but the footage shows both strengths and areas that need refinement. He has clear assets: height, presence, composure, strong reflexes, and a proactive style. He excels in one-on-ones and is solid against efforts from range.
The challenges ahead are adapting to the Premier League’s intensity, learning when to come for set-pieces, and coping with high pressing teams. If he can develop in these areas, he has the attributes to grow into Manchester United’s long-term first-choice goalkeeper.
