Van Hecke receives maiden Netherlands call-up for Nations League fixtures

Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke has received his first call-up to the Netherlands squad to replace Micky van de Ven for their upcoming Nations League fixtures.

Van de Ven was seen in training with Tottenham Hotspur this week, but Ange Postecoglou did not include him in his squad for their 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United.

A knee injury sustained in Spurs’ 4-0 win over Everton last time has forced Van de Ven to withdraw, with the Dutch football association confirming he was not match fit.

But Ronald Koeman has a dependable replacement in Van Hecke, who has impressed for the Seagulls this season under new head coach Fabian Hurzeler.

His 222 successful passes this season is a total only bettered by defensive partner Lewis Dunk (233) in the Brighton squad, while he has also won 15 of his 26 contested duels.

The Netherlands kickstart their Nations League campaign against Bosnia & Herzegovina on Saturday before facing Germany in Amsterdam three days later.

Van Hecke replaces Van de Ven

Ronald Koeman has called up Jan Paul van Hecke for the UEFA Nations League matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Germany.

The @OfficialBHAFC defender replaces Micky van de Ven who is struggling with the aftermath of an injury.… pic.twitter.com/bypMIT79yZ

— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) September 1, 2024