Modern central defending has changed.
Centre-backs still must defend their box, win duels, and clear danger.
But most teams nowadays ask them to start the attack in the first phase, to vary their passing, to be comfortable under pressure and to solve problems with the ball as much as without it.
Under coaches like Pep Guardiola, Julian Nagelsmann, Mikel Arteta and, most intricately in the Premier League, Roberto De Zerbi, that brief has become the norm rather than the exception.
Jan Paul van Hecke, 25, fits that profile for Brighton.
He has made them cleaner and more purposeful in possession, shaping how they build from deep and how they break pressure, while retaining the defensive baseline the position demands.
This Jan Paul van Hecke scout report offers a long look at how Jan Paul van Hecke got here, what he does, where he is improving, and what his skill set adds to Brighton’s game model.
Jan Paul Van Hecke Background
Brighton signed Jan Paul van Hecke in 2020 with a plan.
He went straight to Heerenveen for senior minutes and then to Blackburn Rovers.
As shown during his time at Blackburn, he demonstrated his on-the-ball qualities.
On many occasions, he was able to skip the middle third and play long diagonals to Ryan Nyambe.
This would lead to high-quality opportunities.
In addition, Jan Paul van Hecke was also a danger in the box during his time at Blackburn and would find himself at the end of set-piece opportunities.
This is something that is also being shown in the league this season, with three goals.
