Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken has admitted that he needs to put his ego aside as he battles to regain the Netherlands’ number one spot.
The 30-year-old has recently been Ronald Koeman’s first choice, but the Bees ‘keeper missed the last international break through illness.
This gave Brighton shot-stopper Bart Verbruggen the opportunity to showcase his talents, with the youngster now firmly the Dutch number one.
Verbruggen and Flekken will certainly have a battle on their hands for the starting position ahead of the 2024 EUROs next summer.
Flekken on putting his ego aside
Speaking with 1 Limburg ahead of the latest international break, the Brentford ‘keeper admitted that he has work to do to regain a starting position.
“Of course, I’m disappointed, but I want to be there for the team and so you have to put your own ego aside.
“You should never take it for granted, you see how quickly it can go if you get sick or sustain an injury. I just have to make sure I stay fit and in shape.
“They [the other goalkeepers] are great guys to work with, we push ourselves to a higher level. There will always be competition, it wouldn’t be good if that weren’t the case.
“Of course, you always want to play, that’s what you do everything for.”
Flekken needs to take Brentford form into the Netherlands
Flekken has been good so far for Brentford since his arrival this summer and long may it continue.
His good form has seen him be selected for the Netherlands once again during this international break, a reward for his good start to life at the GTEC Community Stadium.
Although he may not currently be his nation’s number one, he certainly has the quality to be. He just needs to work hard and grasp any opportunity that comes his way in the coming weeks.