But Fabian Hurzeler says that is not the only reason for his No.1’s impressive form.
Hurzeler also made veiled but intriguing passing reference to the 23-year-old’s approach away from the training ground.
Verbruggen goes up against the head coach who had him on rotation as Albion visit Spurs tomorrow.
Roberto De Zerbi had the man signed from Anderlecht job-sharing with Jason Steele for most of the 2023-24 season.
Verbruggen was troubled by a knee issue last season but Hurzeler has also revealed he is taking better care of himself away from the pitch.
He also sees last summer’s appointment of Jelle ten Rouwelaar as goalkeeper coach as significant.
Hurzeler said: “First of all, it’s his approach.
“He was professional before, but he’s even more professional now.
“He changed some things regarding his private life, regarding taking care of his body.
“He’s pain-free. Last season, he always had some issues with his knee and now he’s able to train.
“If young players are able to train, then they are able to progress, they are to develop.
“I think these reasons are definitely key moments for him and key factors to develop.
Hurzeler replaced Marco Knoop and Jack Stern in the summer with ten Rouwelaar, who was formerly with NAC Breda and Anderlecht as Verbruggen progress.
The Seagulls boss said: “We brought someone in who Bart knew, where Bart had already a trusting relationship.
“I think these kinds of relations always help a player to develop, to build a really good connection towards the goalkeeper coach.
“And therefore, I think definitely that Jelle, my goalkeeper coach also had a big impact together with his assistant on the development of Bart Verbruggen.”
Verbruggen started 21 league games under De Zerbi in the 2023-24 season while Steele had 17.
But the ‘score’ was 12-15 in Steele’s favour until that night at the Olimpico.
The next 11 games (ten in the Prem plus the home leg with Roma) saw Verbruggen start ten before stepping down for the season-closer with Manchester United as he prepared for the Euros.
Steele played the first two of 2024-25 under Hurzeler with Verbruggen still on his way back from the Euros, where he picked up an injury en route to the semi-finals.
He has been first choice in the Premier League ever since.
Three consecutive away shut-outs have included some important saves with hands and feet and his short-passing game has also developed.