Jan Paul van Hecke has been singled out for his underrated defensive displays off the back of a breakout season for Albion.

Having struggled to make his way into the starting XI in Roberto De Zerbi’s first season, the centre-back shone for Albion playing all but a handful of matches this year.

Now, the club say that his underlying statistics prove the Dutch defender’s worth to the Seagulls as he earns plaudits for his play.

Van Hecke played the third most minutes for Albion in the Premier League this season. Having played the full 90 minutes in just two league appearances in 2022/23, the Dutchman formed an ever-present partnership with Lewis Dunk this year.

Dunk said Van Hecke had the “biggest improvement I’ve ever seen in a player” under De Zerbi – and the 23-year-old was tied with the captain for shots blocked.

Van Hecke led no defensive stats categories outright but he ranked second for the number of tackles plus interceptions he made and made 76 clearances in the league.

The defender also won plaudits for his attacking skills, having the highest long-pass completion of anyone at Brighton who attempted over 100 passes.