Jan Paul van Hecke has become one of the absolute leaders of Brighton & Hove Albion. At least, that's what Fabian Hürzeler believes. The manager is full of praise for the Dutchman, who once again impressed on Friday against Chelsea (3-0).
A video surfaced this past week showing Jan Paul van Hecke taking the lead in Brighton & Hove Albion’s dressing room.
The footage was recorded after the FA Cup victory over Chelsea (2-1), just days after Brighton had suffered a heavy defeat to Nottingham Forest. In the clip, Van Hecke could be seen passionately addressing his teammates, reinforcing the club’s ambition and the need to respond strongly after setbacks. It was a moment that underlined his growing influence within the squad a leadership presence that has been steadily evolving since his arrival at the club.
The significance of Van Hecke’s words became even clearer as Brighton stepped onto the pitch just days later and once again dismantled Chelsea, this time with a convincing 3-0 victory in the Premier League. It was a performance that showcased not only Brighton’s ability to dominate a top opponent but also Van Hecke’s individual excellence at the heart of the defense. The Dutch center-back was a commanding presence, shutting down Chelsea’s attacking threats with his tactical awareness, strength in duels, and impeccable positioning.
The fact that the Dutch defender has taken on such a significant role was a key topic of discussion in the aftermath of the match. "He is on his way to becoming Player of the Season again," wrote Sussex Live following the game. Van Hecke had already earned that honor last season, and his performances this campaign suggest he could very well retain the title. "He is the rock at the back. Once again, Chelsea’s attackers struggled to get past him. He was impressive, and he did so under the watchful eye of national team coach Ronald Koeman."
This season has been a defining one for Van Hecke, who continues to grow into one of the Premier League’s most underrated yet highly effective defenders. His aerial dominance, composure on the ball, and aggressive yet controlled defensive approach have made him indispensable for Brighton. While many players take years to develop into leaders, Van Hecke has embraced the role naturally, earning the trust of his manager, teammates, and fans alike.
His rise to prominence has not gone unnoticed by the Dutch national team. Koeman, who was in attendance for the game against Chelsea, has closely monitored Van Hecke’s progress and will undoubtedly be pleased with what he has seen. The defender made his senior debut for the Netherlands earlier this season, and with the European Championship on the horizon, he is making a strong case for a place in the squad. His blend of physicality and intelligence at the back could provide a valuable option for the Dutch side as they prepare for the tournament.
Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler is equally impressed with Van Hecke’s development and sees him as a key figure in the club’s long-term plans. "I think every team needs leaders, someone with a voice in the dressing room," Hürzeler said after the Chelsea match. "Jan Paul is a player who takes responsibility and naturally embraces that leadership role. He’s a player that others look up to, and that’s not just because of his performances on the pitch, but also the way he conducts himself off it."
The German coach continued to heap praise on the 23-year-old. "He has made incredible progress not just as a player, which is evident, but also as a person. He is increasingly aware of his role in the dressing room, speaking with many teammates, helping them, and pushing the team to give everything in every match. That’s what makes him special. He doesn’t just lead by example with his performances, but he actively engages with the squad to create a winning mentality."
One of the standout aspects of Van Hecke’s emergence as a leader is his ability to communicate effectively, something that was clearly demonstrated in the dressing room speech that went viral after the FA Cup win. Hürzeler was asked about the significance of that moment and made it clear how valuable such actions are to the team. "I’m very happy that he does things like this. He is great at using the right words to inspire his teammates. It’s not easy to find players who have that natural leadership ability, but Jan Paul has it. He keeps our team sharp, motivated, and even at halftime, he delivers the right analysis. Thanks to him, Brighton is constantly reminded of the things that need to be done right."
Van Hecke’s impact on Brighton extends beyond his defensive performances. He has become a unifying force within the squad, ensuring that the standards remain high even during difficult moments. His mentality has been key in helping the team bounce back from setbacks, such as the defeat to Nottingham Forest, and channel their frustrations into dominant displays like the back-to-back wins over Chelsea.
His growth into a leader has also fueled speculation about his future. With his stock rising rapidly, it is only a matter of time before top European clubs start taking notice. Brighton have become known for developing players who attract interest from the biggest teams in the world, and Van Hecke appears to be following in the footsteps of former Brighton stars who have gone on to secure high-profile moves. However, for now, he remains fully focused on his current club and is determined to help Brighton continue their rise in English football.
If his performances this season are anything to go by, Van Hecke is not just on his way to another Player of the Season award he is cementing himself as one of the Premier League’s standout defenders. With his leadership, defensive excellence, and growing influence on and off the pitch, the Dutchman is proving that he is far more than just a rising star; he is a force to be reckoned with.
