Jan Paul van Hecke has been nominated for Premier League Player of the Month. The Brighton & Hove Albion centre-back found the net in March and was already rewarded with a starting spot in the Dutch national team by head coach Ronald Koeman. Now, this award could be the cherry on top of an impressive month.
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Jan Paul van Hecke has been nominated for Premier League Player of the Month, a remarkable achievement that underscores the 24-year-old defender’s rise to prominence in English football.
The Brighton & Hove Albion centre-back has emerged as one of the league’s most consistent performers in recent weeks, and his contribution has been central to Brighton’s positive results during a crucial period of the season.
In March, Van Hecke played a pivotal role in Brighton’s 2-1 victory over Fulham and their impressive 2-2 draw against title contenders Manchester City. Against Fulham, he scored his first goal of the season a key moment not only in the match but in his individual career. It was a well-taken finish that showcased his aerial strength and attacking instincts, and it ultimately proved decisive in securing three points for his team. Just days later, Van Hecke delivered another standout performance against Manchester City, one of the toughest teams to face in world football. While the match ended in a draw, Van Hecke’s composure, positioning, and reading of the game stood out as he made several critical interceptions and clearances to help Brighton hold their own against Pep Guardiola’s high-powered attack.
His performances at club level have not gone unnoticed by national team coach Ronald Koeman, who rewarded Van Hecke with a place in the Netherlands’ starting lineup during the most recent international break. It was a significant vote of confidence from Koeman, especially given the competition for places in the Dutch backline. Van Hecke featured in the thrilling 3-3 draw against Spain, a match that entertained fans with its fast tempo, attacking flair, and dramatic twists. For Van Hecke, the fixture served as a major opportunity to prove himself on the international stage and he took full advantage. Not only did he hold his own against some of Spain’s most technically gifted attackers, but he also contributed to the build-up phase with his passing from deep.
Dutch football publication Voetbal International praised his performances, giving him a rating of 8 out of 10 for both matches against Spain in the Nations League. Analysts across various platforms echoed those sentiments, highlighting his exceptional passing range and calmness under pressure. His ball distribution was particularly noted an area in which he has statistically excelled in the Premier League as well. Among all central defenders in the division, Van Hecke has completed the most forward passes this season, a testament to his ability to progress play and initiate attacks from the back.
The list of nominees for March’s Player of the Month award includes some elite competition: Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (Wolves), Anthony Elanga (Nottingham Forest), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Nikola Milenkovic (Nottingham Forest), and Declan Rice (Arsenal). That Van Hecke finds himself among such names speaks volumes about his impact in one of the world’s most demanding leagues.
Should he win, Van Hecke would become the latest Dutch international to claim the award. The last was Justin Kluivert, who took home the honor in January for his standout performances with Bournemouth. Before him, Virgil van Dijk had been the most recent Dutch winner, and only six other players from the Netherlands have ever been named Premier League Player of the Month. That statistic puts Van Hecke’s nomination into perspective it’s not just a moment of personal recognition but also a significant milestone in the broader context of Dutch football’s presence in the English top flight.
For Van Hecke, the nomination is the culmination of years of hard work, development, and resilience. After coming through the ranks at NAC Breda, he joined Brighton in 2020 and was loaned out to several clubs, including SC Heerenveen and Blackburn Rovers, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience. His gradual progression into Brighton’s starting XI has been carefully managed, and under the guidance of manager Roberto De Zerbi, he has flourished into a dependable and mature defender.
As Brighton continue their push for a strong finish in the league, Van Hecke’s form will be crucial not just in defense, but as a leader who sets the tone from the back. Whether or not he wins the award, his nomination alone is a major statement. It confirms his place among the Premier League’s most in-form players and adds weight to the argument that he could become a long-term fixture in the Dutch national team setup.
March has already been a landmark month for Van Hecke, with his first Premier League goal, his international breakthrough, and now, recognition on one of English football’s most prestigious shortlists. Winning Player of the Month would be the perfect cherry on top but even without it, Van Hecke has made it clear: he’s no longer just a promising talent he’s a proven performer at the highest level.
Updated: 02:35, 27 Mar 2025
