Decision in goalkeeper casting. Justin Heekeren has prevailed over Thorben Hoffmann. Kees van Wonderen explains his decision.

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

“Together with Stephan Loboué, I informed the goalkeepers of our decision in a personal conversation today: Justin Heekeren is our number one, he has our full confidence,” said 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. “We have evaluated the goalkeepers over the past few weeks according to various criteria that we consider important: first and foremost, their performance on the pitch, their behavior when criticized, and their role in the team,” van Wonderen explained the decision.

Overall, Heekeren 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 replacement who has also performed well. He took the decision very professionally.”

Heekeren was given the nod by former coach Karel Geraerts right at the start of the season. The 23-year-old has already played in Schalke’s first eight league games. He recently got the chance to show his stuff in the cup game in Augsburg (0-3) and in the league game at SSV Ulm (0-0). He put in a convincing performance in Ulm, keeping a clean sheet for the first time this season. “I’m obviously delighted 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 of the decision.