Jan Paul van Hecke has emerged as an unlikely source of creativity for Tottenham Hotspur, with the summer signing now the club's top scorer in the league this season after netting his second goal in the win over Crystal Palace.
The Dutch centre-back, who arrived from Brighton for £52m, scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory against 10-man Palace. The strike saw him rise above Jaydee Canvot to power an initial header at Dean Henderson before reacting quickest, while on the floor, to nod in the rebound.
It was a scrappy finish, but one that spoke to the newfound resilience within the Tottenham ranks. Van Hecke was one of the first names head coach Roberto De Zerbi wanted to sign in the summer, and his performances are beginning to justify that faith.
A Record-Breaking Display
Van Hecke's aggression in both boxes gives Spurs presence, while his comfort in possession provides a platform to build through the lines. Against Palace, he completed a Premier League club-record 143 passes, underlining his role as a ball-playing defender.
In James Maddison's absence, Tottenham are still short of players who can pick passes in the final third. But with Van Hecke applying pressure and playing with purpose, they are able to sustain their momentum.
Building a Partnership
Spurs are unbeaten since returning from the October international break, with performances characterised by their ability to swarm opponents and stay high, or play out of pressure by inviting overloads in build-up. Van Hecke's composure makes him adaptable, allowing him to remain an outlet in possession whether Tottenham are pushing high or inviting pressure.
De Zerbi has repeatedly said in recent weeks that his side are beginning to look like a team, helped by the consistency of Van Hecke and Micky van de Ven, who have started seven of the last eight league games alongside each other.
Reliable and robust, Van Hecke and Van de Ven are slowly breeding confidence into those around them, as Spurs come a long way from their opening weekend humiliation at Brentford.
