The Tottenham summer signing who is providing a surprise creative spark

Van Hecke has become Tottenham's creative fulcrum in midfield, completing a club-record 143 passes against Palace and scoring twice in the league this season.

Roberto De Zerbi's summer signings are finally clicking into gear, with Tottenham on their best run of form since February 2025. Centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke, who arrived from Brighton for £52m, has emerged as an unlikely creative spark in De Zerbi's system.

Van Hecke scored against Crystal Palace to become Spurs' top league scorer this season with two goals. His performance was characterised by determination and composure, completing a Premier League club-record 143 passes in that match. De Zerbi specifically wanted a ball-playing centre-back to partner Micky van de Ven, and Van Hecke has delivered on that brief.

With James Maddison absent, Van Hecke's ability to play out of pressure and sustain momentum through possession has become crucial. His comfort on the ball provides a platform to build through the lines, allowing Tottenham to either swarm opponents while playing high or invite overloads in build-up play. Spurs are unbeaten since the October international break, with Van Hecke and Van de Ven forming a reliable defensive partnership that is breeding confidence throughout the team.