Everything Dutch media said about Tottenham target Jan Paul van Hecke after Netherlands vs Uzbekistan

Jan Paul van Hecke is in line to regularly feature for the Netherlands at the World Cup amid serious interest in his services from Tottenham.

Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi is aiming to bolster his defensive options this summer after such a disappointing 2025-26 season.

The likes of Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have been linked with moves away from the club after they were so close to relegation from the Premier League.

Brighton star Van Hecke is known to be on Spurs' radar ahead of the transfer window opening later this month.

Tottenham have reportedly seen two bids for his services rejected by the Seagulls, but are expected to return with another offer as he prepares to impress at the World Cup.

Van Hecke started at centre-back as Ronald Koeman's side returned to winning ways in their last friendly before the tournament.

Football Insider have looked at how his performance against Uzbekistan was rated by Dutch media outlets.

Dutch media praise Jan-Paul van Hecke as key World Cup role lined up amid Spurs interest

The Oranje saw their 14-game winning run come to an end last week in a 1-0 home defeat to Algeria.

Cody Gakpo scored a brace from the penalty spot against Uzbekistan to help them to a 2-1 win, with his second coming in the 98th minute not long after Igor Sergeev's equaliser.

Van Hecke featured for the full 99 minutes and was praised by those in the Dutch media for how he defended in New York.

Voetbal Primeur gave him a 6.5 rating and wrote: "Following the withdrawal of Jurrien Timber – and, before him, Matthijs de Ligt and Stefan de Vrij – there is absolutely no doubt that Van Hecke will feature at the World Cup. He celebrated his 26th birthday with a commanding performance, although he had little to fear from the Uzbeks."

While Soccer News handed him a 6 out of 10 and said: "Solid, just as he was against Algeria. However, he did have to make amends for a misjudgement by committing a foul."

What is the latest on Romero's Tottenham future amid Van Hecke interest?

Spurs expect to sign a new centre-back this summer, and Van Hecke is clearly a top target for De Zerbi.

The Italian boss previously praised him as an "incredible" defender during their time working together at Brighton.

His potential arrival has heightened doubts around the future of club captain Romero, who angered fans will an ill-advised trip back to Argentina during the last week of the league campaign.

Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Spurs are expecting to sell Romero this summer as they line up Van Hecke.

It would be a disappointing end to a notable Spurs career for Romero, with Atletico Madrid a possible destination after previous strong links.