Manchester United’s new goalkeeper, Senne Lammens, has revealed his unique pre-match routine that helps him to succeed.
Manchester United’s summer recruitment focused predominantly on eradicating their attacking concerns, before making a late addition to their goalkeeping department.
Ruben Amorim’s side spent over £230million on their four first-team additions, which included a new-look front three of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko.
The Reds fourth and final acquisition was Belgian shot-stopper Senne Lammens, who arrived for £18 million from Royal Antwerp in the Jupiler Pro League.
The 23-year-old has arrived to challenge Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir for a spot in the starting XI. United’s new boy has now revealed his unique pre-match routine.
Lammens pre-match routine
The 2002-born goalkeeper claimed in his interview on the United website that his calmness has been instilled in him by his parents, and is further boosted by the journaling process that he practices before and after each game.
Lammens said, “My parents are also really calm and collected, but [I also developed this mentality] from growing up, when I was in the youth and I thought about the goalkeeper I wanted to become later in life.
“I think one of the best attributes you can have as a goalkeeper is staying calm under pressure, in any circumstances, even if you make a mistake or something. You just move on and try to give your best to the team.”
About his journaling process, he noted, “Before and after the game, I just write key words down and my thoughts a little bit. Because sometimes, if you don’t do that, it can be a lot going through your mind. It helps me with staying calm and staying in the moment a little bit, and not overreacting in situations.
“[I write] key words, trigger points. Maybe you are playing a team who puts a lot of pressure on and then you know you don’t have to think a lot during the games, mentally you are already ready, already prepared for the game and what it’s going to be like.
“So, when the game comes, you are not going to be so surprised by it. I think that is important.”
Lammens to be a rock
One key issue for the Reds in recent seasons has been the unreliability and inconsistency of their shot-stoppers between the sticks, which Lammens aims to put an end to.
Lammens said, “I think if you want to be a good goalkeeper, you have to be a rock behind the defence. They have to trust you and count on you in difficult moments. That is something I take pride in.
“Of course, I can improve in this because the next level is bigger, but it is one of my attributes that I am proud of, and I try to improve.”
It seems as if Amorim’s new shot-stopper has a strong, calm head on his shoulders, which many United fans will be eager to see in action once the international break is over.
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