Brighton and Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke has insisted he is ready to play for the Netherlands, even if Ronald Koeman is yet to contact him.
Van Hecke has been speaking to Via Play in the Netherlands about his international ambitions as he continues to feature regularly for Roberto de Zerbi’s side.
Van Hecke has been a regular for Brighton since making a return from a loan spell at Blackburn Rovers in the 2021/22 season.
His first season he was in and out of the side but has been more of a regular for Brighton this season, with 23 appearances in the Premier League to date and 79% of the available minutes played in the league as well as being a regular in the Europa League.
He’s yet to be given his chance to impress on the international stage, though, with the Netherlands U21s the highest level he’s reached so far, although his last appearance for them was in June 2023.
He appears to be out of the international picture for his nation at this point, something he seems to be a little disappointed about personally.
“No idea. I haven’t had any contact. I don’t think it works that way either. If you qualify, you will be told, otherwise you have to think that they are watching you,” he said.
“It is also difficult to say, because you also know that there are very good central defenders. You just know what level you are playing at and that you are doing well. That is the most important thing.
“And when you see at what level you play and in which systems… When you look at the Dutch national team, you think: I feel like I can play there too. Of course I don’t know what it’s like to play there, but you do know what level you are.
“So hopefully it will come soon. And then you can show it. And hopefully you will no longer be able to do without it.”
