The underlying numbers from the Netherlands’ dramatic FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash with Morocco have revealed just how impressive Tottenham Hotspur’s new signing, Jan Paul van Hecke, was.
The round of 32 stage of the FIFA 2026 World Cup is now in full swing, with several teams already securing their place in the last 16, including Canada, Brazil, Paraguay and Morocco.
A number of nations have also been eliminated, with Tuesday morning’s clash seeing two Tottenham stars bow out of the tournament.
Both Micky van de Ven and Jan Paul van Hecke were on the pitch as the Netherlands faced Morocco, eventually falling to a 3-2 defeat in a penalty shootout.
The African side now progresses to the round of 16, where they will meet Canada, while the Netherlands suffer a disappointing end to their campaign.
Tottenham’s Jan Paul Van Hecke impresses despite Netherlands exit
It was a tightly contested encounter that finished 1-1 after 120 minutes of football. One of the few players to feature throughout was van Hecke, who partnered Virgil van Dijk at the back.
Despite the late equaliser conceded, van Hecke stood out as one of the Netherlands’ better performers. He earned a 7.2 FotMob rating – the highest among the centre-backs – with only goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen rated higher than the 26-year-old.
Having played the full 120 minutes, his underlying numbers highlight why the former Brighton defender was among the most reliable players for the Dutch side.
Van Hecke’s standout stats vs Morocco:
- Accurate passes: 55/65 (85%)
- Chances created: 1
- Touches: 77
- Touches in opposition box: 1
- Passes into final third: 12
- Defensive contributions: 8
- Tackles: 4
- Clearances: 2
- Headed clearances: 2
- Interceptions: 2
- Recoveries: 3
- Dribbled past: 2
- Ground duels won: 4/7 (57%)
- Aerial duels won: 4/6 (67%)
Spurs focus turns to pre-season
With van Hecke’s World Cup now over, he will enjoy a short break before linking up with Tottenham and Roberto De Zerbi.
The Dutchman and his teammate van de Ven now join Andy Robertson and Rodrigo Bentancur as Spurs stars to have been eliminated from the tournament.
Tottenham face a packed pre-season schedule, travelling to New Zealand and Australia as preparations for the new campaign intensify.
De Zerbi will be keen to have van Hecke and several other Spurs players available to take part in this summer’s pre-season programme.