Dutch football expert Valentijn Driessen has stirred debate by suggesting that Brighton center-back Jan Paul van Hecke is currently a better player than Manchester United’s Matthijs de Ligt.
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Van Hecke, who joined Brighton in 2020 after a spell in the Dutch second tier, has steadily climbed the ranks, building a strong partnership with Lewis Dunk last season and recently earning his first senior cap for the Netherlands.
De Ligt, meanwhile, joined United for £42.9 million from Bayern Munich this summer but has faced a rocky start in the Premier League.
Driessen praised Van Hecke’s composure, especially when compared to De Ligt’s defensive mishaps. In a recent podcast, Driessen observed that Van Hecke’s performance against Liverpool showcased his confidence and skill, contrasting with De Ligt’s slip during United’s recent clash with Chelsea.
He argued that Van Hecke’s ball-handling and decision-making mark him as the stronger option for the Dutch national team.
