Heekeren remains number one – this is how van Wonderen explains

decision in the goalkeeper casting. Justin Heekeren has prevailed against Thorben Hoffmann. How Kees van Wonderen explains his decision.

Justin Heekeren has prevailed over Thorben Hoffmann in the internal duel and remains the starting goalkeeper of FC Schalke 04. On Monday afternoon, coach Kees van Wonderen informed the goalkeepers of his decision. He will be in the goal on Sunday (1:30 p.m./Sky) in the home game against Jahn Regensburg.

“Together with Stephan Loboué, I personally informed the goalkeepers of our decision today: Justin Heekeren is our number one, he has our full confidence,” says the 55-year-old Dutchman.

After van Wonderen took over as head coach at Schalke, he announced a goalkeeper casting. Hoffmann and Heekeren were each given two competitive games to convince the coach. “In recent weeks, we have evaluated the goalkeepers according to various criteria that we consider important: first and foremost, their performance on the pitch, how they react to criticism, and their role in the team,” said van Wonderen, explaining the decision.

All in all, Heekeren was convincing and came out on top. “We are convinced that he will be a valuable asset to our team. In Thorben Hoffmann, we have a really good substitute who has also performed well. He took the decision very professionally.”

Heekeren was already given the trust by former coach Karel Geraerts at the start of the season. The 23-year-old has already been between the posts for Schalke in the first eight league games. Most recently, he was able to show himself in the cup game in Augsburg (0:3) and also in the league game at SSV Ulm (0:0). He put in a convincing performance in Ulm and kept a clean sheet for the first time this season. “I’m obviously pleased with the decision. I want to give my best for the team and our shared goals, so that we can be successful together,” said Heekeren on the decision.