Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton has been called up to the Netherlands squad for their upcoming Nations League matches. He replaces Micky van de Ven, who is recovering from a knee injury. Van de Ven was seen training with Tottenham Hotspur but was not included in the squad for their 2-1 loss to Newcastle United.
Van Hecke has shown remarkable form this season under new head coach Fabian Hurzeler. His 222 successful passes are second only to his defensive partner Lewis Dunk, who has 233. Additionally, Van Hecke has won 15 out of 26 contested duels, highlighting his defensive prowess.

The Dutch football association confirmed that Van de Ven was not match fit due to the knee injury sustained in Spurs' 4-0 victory over Everton. This injury has led to his withdrawal from the national team.The Netherlands will begin their Nations League campaign against Bosnia & Herzegovina on Saturday. Three days later, they will face Germany in Amsterdam. These matches are crucial for the team's progress in the tournament.Ronald Koeman expressed confidence in Van Hecke as a reliable replacement for Van de Ven.
Van de Ven's absence is a significant blow, but Van Hecke's inclusion provides stability at the back. The Seagulls' defender has been a standout player and is expected to bring that form to the national team.The Dutch squad will be looking to start their campaign on a positive note with these two important fixtures. Fans are eager to see how Van Hecke performs on this larger stage.This call-up marks an important milestone in Van Hecke's career, reflecting his growth and potential as a top-tier defender. His performance in these matches could solidify his place in future national team selections.