Nations League: Remko Pasphere, the 38-year-old rookie! Who can start with the Netherlands in the World Cup

Fame came to Remko Pasphere (Enschede, 8-11-1983) when he didn’t expect it at all. He arrived at Ajax in 2021 as a third-choice goalkeeper, but suddenly Andre Onana’s suspension and Martin Stecklenburg’s injuries opened the doors for him to start.

Twenty Heracles Almelo, Joe Ahead Eagles, Eindhoven, and Vitesse land on their feet in Amsterdam: In his first 12 matches in the Eredivisie, he conceded only one goal. “Remko Pasveer is our #1 now. He is proving that he is the best goalkeeper in the league,” His coach at the time, Eric Ten Hag, was quick to say.

He has shown that he is the best goalkeeper in the Eredivisie

Eric Ten Hag

His broken injury caused him to miss the last stage of last season… but Pasfer returned in style, and as a bonus, he received his first call-up to the Dutch first team. “I’ve worked hard for years, and now I feel like all the pieces of the ‘puzzle’ are in place,” he admits.

I’ve worked hard for years and now I feel like all the pieces of the “puzzle” fall into place.

Remco Pasphere

The second oldest footballer to play for the Netherlands

Louis van Gaal’s call was not, as he might imagine, “a toast to the sun.” Pasvir appeared for the first time as a key player in the victory over Poland (2-0) and repeated in the victory over Belgium (1-0), had become The second oldest player (38 years 318 days) plays with the “Corchette”. Only Sander Bochker (39 years, 224 days) beats him.

“It’s one of the most beautiful nights of my life. I wouldn’t have dreamed of this a few years ago,” Pasphere confirmed after his “first show.” “It’s not unusual for me to call a 38-year-old goalkeeper… But I am very curious to see it in action. At Ajax he showed his abilities and deserved it.” By justification, Louis van Gaal.

It’s one of the most beautiful nights of my life. I couldn’t have dreamed of this a few years ago

Remco Pasphere

It seems that two clean sheets were enough to convince Van Gaal: “I think he will come to Qatar.” Pasphere at the moment prefers not to “hurry up the bells”: “There are still many games to play and anything can happen. It’s too early.”

I think Psphere will come to Qatar

Louis van Gal

Van der Vaart bets on the Psphere in the World Cup

The controversy in the Netherlands goes further and they are already wondering who should start in Qatar: Remko Pasphere, Jasper Cillessen or Justin Bigelow? Former Real Madrid player Rafael van der Vaart is clear: “He is not afraid. It radiates calm and appears in defenders. Plus, he’s good with his feet. He showed that in an important match. Why won’t he be a key player in the World Cup?