Mark Flekken, a popular player at Freiburg before his move to English Premier League side Brentford, is now embarking on a new chapter back in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen. Here`s a closer look at the Dutch goalkeeper with significant experience in Germany.
Player Details
Age: 31 (born 13 June 1993)
Club: Bayer Leverkusen
Position: Goalkeeper
Country: Netherlands (8 caps)
Key Stats
Flekken is originally from Kerkrade in the Netherlands, a town situated close to the German border. He began his youth career at local club Roda JC before crossing the border to join Alemannia Aachen. He gained valuable experience in the 3. Liga there, and later developed further as a backup keeper at Bundesliga 2 club Greuther Fürth.
His significant breakthrough occurred at Duisburg, where he played a key role in their 3. Liga title win in 2017, achieving 15 clean sheets in 37 league appearances. The following season, he recorded nine shut-outs in 31 Bundesliga 2 matches, helping the team finish seventh.
Freiburg then signed Flekken, initially as a reserve behind Alexander Schwolow. An elbow injury hampered his 2019/20 campaign, but he featured in the final three games of 2020/21, notably including a 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich.
Video: The best of Mark Flekken
Following Schwolow`s transfer to Hertha Berlin, Flekken established himself as Freiburg`s undisputed number one. In the 2021/22 season, he kept 10 clean sheets as Freiburg reached the DFB Cup final and finished sixth in the Bundesliga, securing qualification for the UEFA Europa League. His 112 saves were among the highest in the league. This impressive form led to his selection as the goalkeeper in the 2021/22 Bundesliga Team of the Season, based on a vote by fellow professional players.
Flekken`s performance continued to improve in 2022/23, with 12 clean sheets and another 112 saves in 32 appearances. This led to a move to English Premier League side Brentford. He further enhanced his reputation there, missing only two top-flight matches over two seasons for the Bees, before signing a three-year contract with Leverkusen in June 2025.
He received his first senior international call-up for the Netherlands in October 2021 and made four appearances in 2022. His total international caps have since risen to eight, including a call-up to the Dutch squad for UEFA Euro 2024.
Flekken performing for the Netherlands.
Playing Style Comparison
Plays a bit like: Edwin van der Sar
It`s often noted that Flekken resembles legendary Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar in his style. The new Bayer 04 signing is characterized by his composed presence, excellent game reading ability, and quick reflexes.
Did You Know?
In a peculiar moment during his time at Duisburg, Flekken unintentionally replicated a classic FIFA video game glitch. Unaware that his team`s goal had just been disallowed, he walked to his goal to take a drink from his water bottle. While celebratory music was still playing, the opposing team quickly took a free-kick, and Stefan Kutschke scored into the empty net while Flekken appeared stuck behind the goal line. Flekken later joked, “In future games, I won`t put my bottle in the goal,” after he redeemed himself by saving a penalty from the same player in their 2-1 win.
Video: Mark Flekken`s uncharacteristic short circuit
What They`re Saying
“Mark possesses an impressive physical presence, and in terms of his footballing quality, he has undoubtedly been one of the top keepers in the Premier League over the past two years.” – Simon Rolfes, Leverkusen Sporting Director
“He has performed well in the Bundesliga, and I want to observe him closely to better understand his qualities.” – Louis Van Gaal, then Netherlands coach, on calling up Flekken
“It was always clear that `Flekki` would eventually be our number one. He is a truly excellent goalkeeper; he radiates great composure, is a good person, and has immense potential.” – Christian Streich, Former Freiburg coach
