Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke claims Moisés Caicedo’s progress at the Premier League side shows he has the qualities to develop into a top-quality player.
After returning from a loan spell at Blackburn Rovers in the summer, the centre-back has been restricted to two appearances in all competitions this season. This includes a late substitute appearance against Leeds United in August.
The Ecuador international, on the other hand, has been starring for Brighton. His fine form has seen him linked to top clubs in the Premier League and across Europe.
Jan Paul van Hecke has closely observed the midfielder and claims his behaviour, both on and off field, helps Caicedo on the pitch. The Dutchman made this claim about Roberto De Zerbi’s man ahead of the Netherlands’ World Cup clash against Ecuador on Friday.
“He’s one of the better players every game at Brighton. I also think he is going through a storming development,” Jan Paul van Hecke said about Caicedo, relayed by ESPN NL.
“Off the field he is very calm and humble, but you don’t see much of that on the pitch anymore. He is very aggressive in the duels and can play football well. He can do both, so I think he will be at the top in a few years.”
Caicedo isn’t the only Ecuadorian from Brighton that Louis van Gaal’s men should be concerned about as Pervis Estupiñán and Jeremy Sarmiento are included in La Tri’s squad.
On the left-back, Jan Paul van Hecke explained: “He is an emerging fullback, he is very attacking, and he has a good cross. He also always keeps walking. That is really an extra strength for Ecuador. It has also been a strength for us this season. It will be nice duels with Dumfries.”
Regarding Sarmiento, the Dutch defender said: “In training he is very good at 1v1, he is lightning fast and agile on the ball. You should definitely watch out for him. As a defender, you have to sit on him for a short time. I do that in training too. You just have the best chance to take the ball away.”
