Senior Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens has been defended by Chelsea legend Eden Hazard following the team's World Cup exit. Hazard, one of Belgium's greatest ever players, praised Lammens as a "great goalkeeper" and expressed confidence in his ability to "bounce back and come back even stronger".
Lammens faced criticism after Belgium's quarter-final loss, during which he made a costly error, but Hazard believes he should not be too hard on himself. He pointed out that Lammens had to replace Thibaut Courtois, the world's best goalkeeper, in the quarter-final.
Hazard also reflected on Belgium's World Cup campaign as a whole, stating that the team showed they should not be underestimated. He praised the fans across the country for their support and expressed pride in the team's achievements.
Real Madrid's Courtois also offered words of consolation to Lammens after the match, describing him as an "excellent goalkeeper" with a bright future ahead. Courtois believes that moments like Lammens' costly error can make a player stronger and should not be blamed on them.
Lammens enjoyed a successful first season at Manchester United, helping the team qualify for the Champions League. He received praise from Old Trafford legend Sir Alex Ferguson, who described Lammens' start at United as "outstanding".
Manchester United are set to face Championship side Wrexham in their first pre-season friendly on Saturday ahead of their Premier League opener against Hull on August 22.
