Tottenham defender Jan Paul van Hecke has spoken about Spurs’ improved form and his relationship with Mickey van de Ven.
Jan Paul van Hecke believes working hard all over the pitch is the main reason why Tottenham Hotspur are winning matches now.
After a slow start to the season which saw Spurs enter their first international break of the campaign, Roberto De Zerbi’s side are now looking to make it four wins in a row in the Premier League.
The Lilywhites beat 10-man Crystal Palace 2-0 on Saturday to extend their unbeaten run to four matches. With just three goals conceded this term, the signs are positive that De Zerbi’s side can push forward again.
Dutchman Van Hecke produced an impressive performance with his last-gasp goal against Palace and also broke the club record with 143 assists in a Premier League game. However, Van Hecke believes it is up to everyone to come together to turn the team around.
“I think it’s very difficult, it starts up front,” Van Hecke said when reflecting on Spurs’ new defensive solidity. Of course, we have good defenders, good goalkeepers, that helps, but I think it’s about the team.”
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Signed from Brighton in the summer, Van Hecke has developed a strong Spurs backline partnership with Netherlands international Micky van de Ven. “We’re really good friends, so it’s really nice to play together in the same team. We love it,” Van Hecke told the Tottenham website.
“It’s our fourth clean sheet and we’re both really happy to be playing together, but it’s not just us, it’s the rest of us. It’s great when you see how much effort everyone is putting in.”
Tottenham travel to Leeds on Saturday looking to make it four Premier League wins in a row for the first time since October 2023. Defender Pedro Porro, who missed the start of the campaign with a hamstring injury and then aggravated the same problem in September, could be back in contention with a half-time appearance against the Eagles.
Destiny Udogie also earned a few more minutes as her return to action gradually strengthened. Brazilian winger Savio, who suffered a muscle problem at Manchester United in early October, is also close to being involved again, having posted a photo of himself in the Spurs dressing room on social media.
However, the 22-year-old, who signed for Manchester City in a £75m deal during the summer transfer window, may not be brought back before the international break.