Jan Paul van Hecke
BHANetherlands
Right
Jun 8, 2000
25
6'2"
174 lb
CB
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Ball-Playing Centre Back
BrightonRanking
News
Strong defensive display
van Hecke registered one cross (zero accurate) and six clearances in Saturday's 2-0 win against Brentford.
Analysis: Van Hecke delivered an excellent defensive performance to help his side keep a clean sheet in Saturday's win over Brentford, recording six clearances and a season-high four interceptions. The defender remains an undisputed starter in the back line, having started 26 of his 27 appearances across all competitions this season. He has totaled 33 tackles and 29 interceptions, while also adding three goals and two assists, rare offensive production for a central defender.
Substitution planned
van Hecke was substituted in the 61st minute of Wednesday's 1-0 loss to Aston Villa as part of a planned precaution, coach Fabian Hurzeler told the media, according to Sussex Express. "We know that he could not play for 90 minutes, so that was the normal procedure. We had to take him out after 60, 65. That was the maximum of his playing time, what he was capable of doing. So therefore we knew that we have to take him off."
Analysis: van Hecke sat out the clash with Crystal Palace nursing a hamstring issue, but he was back in the mix Wednesday against Aston Villa. The plan was always to cap him at around 60 minutes, with the staff taking a cautious approach to protect one of the Seagulls' defensive anchors and avoid any long-term setback. He's good to go moving forward, but he's still not at full match fitness, so a complete 90-minute shift might be a stretch for now. If he needs to be managed or starts from the bench in the coming fixtures, expect Olivier Boscagli to slot into the backline and fill the void.
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