Brighton and Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke will be out of action until at least the end of October with a groin injury. He missed the Albion’s 4-2 defeat to Chelsea in match week six, and is set to remain on the sidelines for four to six weeks.
Embed from Getty ImagesIn an interview with ESPN, van Hecke said: “I have been dealing with it for a while, I have also played matches with it, but in the final phase against Nottingham Forest it shot into my groin. Afterward, we had a scan done and it became clear that there is a big tear in it.
Van Hecke has made five appearances for Brighton this campaign, with the Premier League side going unbeaten during that run while the Dutchman featured for head coach Fabian Hurzeler.
The Albion defender had a breakout season in 2023/24, cementing himself as the starting centre-back to pair alongside captain Lewis Dunk. This season he’s looking even better, currently topping various metrics amongst Premier League centre-halves that highlight his forward-thinking approach when in possession. This includes long pass completion (9.2 passes per 90), carry distance (426 yards per 90) and progressive carry distance (289.8 yards per 90).
Embed from Getty ImagesHe also averages the highest passing distance per 90 (1547.2 yards), which is 600 yards more than the Premier League standard among other central defenders. For passes into the final third, van Hecke ranks in the top 6% with 7.6 per 90; Dunk tops this metric with 7.71, so van Hecke isn’t far off from his mentor. His knack for finding advanced players in key areas has been vital at the start of the season, creating numerous chances for Brighton’s forwards.
The Dutchman is becoming a formidable force at the back, saving Brighton on many occasions with last ditch tackles and blocks. In 2024/25, per 90, van Hecke has averaged 5.8 ball recoveries and 4.7 duels won; he’s made zero errors this season too – Mr Reliable.
A stand out stat that is surprisingly low is his 1.8 tackles per 90, however once you dive deeper it becomes clear that this metric islower than the others because van Hecke is purposeful in the challenge. He’s averaging 1 dribbler tackled per 90 from 1.8 tackles attempted per match. For context, his national team compatriot Virgil van Dijk is averaging just 0.17 dribblers tackled per 90 from 0.96 tackles attempted.
Embed from Getty ImagesAlbion supporters are full of praise for van Hecke; via INMR’s Twitter page, one fan said the Dutchman is “one of the most significantly improved players at the club.”
“His profile is so well suited to Hürzeler’s style of play.”
Van Hecke’s injury has come at a less than ideal time for Brighton, with the Seagulls seeking consistency in the Premier League. His ability to break lines with precise passes and offer a sense of calm under pressure has been crucial to their system. With his absence, Hurzeler will likely need to rely on a mix of tactical adjustments and other squad members to fill the void.
Van Hecke’s absence will test Brighton’s depth, especially with key upcoming matches against Spurs, Newcastle and Wolves. The next few matches will reveal how well the Seagulls can adapt without their rising Dutch defender, with Adam Webster and Igor Julio now presented with an opportunity to step up.
Embed from Getty ImagesWritten by Isabelle Newnham
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