Tottenham Hotspur have announced that Jan Paul van Hecke has been nominated for the Premier League Player of the Month award.
The centre-back was crucial to the team's revival in an unbeaten October, which included one draw and three consecutive wins. He helped Tottenham keep two clean sheets and scored his second goal for the club.
Having joined from Brighton & Hove Albion this summer, Jan Paul van Hecke reunited with Roberto De Zerbi. The Dutch centre-back made an impressive start in a Tottenham Hotspur shirt and played every minute throughout the month. The team's month began with a resilient 1-1 draw away at Manchester United on October 10.
After an excellent performance alongside Marcos Senesi at Old Trafford, he played as the right-sided centre-back in a back three at home against Coventry City, as the team secured their first win of the season with a 3-1 victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The Dutch international then partnered fellow countryman Van de Ven at the heart of the defence in the away match against Chelsea and played a key role in the landmark 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge. Jan Paul van Hecke challenged Mike Penders for the ball from a corner, leading to the goalkeeper putting the ball into his own net and giving the team the lead. He also defended resolutely at the other end, helping the team keep a clean sheet. It was only the second time Tottenham had won there in the Premier League era.
The 26-year-old Jan Paul van Hecke delivered his best performance in the final match of the month, earning the Man of the Match award after a 2-0 home win against Crystal Palace. He headed in the team's second goal and was also crucial in possession, completing a club-record 143 passes. It was a performance that excelled both offensively and defensively.
Throughout October, no Premier League player attempted or completed more passes than this ball-playing centre-back.
Please vote before 12 PM on Monday, November 9, to help Jan Paul van Hecke beat Evanilson, Nicolas Jackson, Ngoyo, Rice, Jack Rudoni, Bart Verbruggen and Luka Vuskovic.