Jan Paul van Hecke: Stats show Netherlands media are wrong about Tottenham star's display vs Serbia
Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke featured throughout as the Netherlands beat Serbia 2-1 in the Nations League on Sunday.
Max Meerdink scored twice in Belgrade to hand Xavi Hernandez his first victory in charge after replacing Ronald Koeman in the summer.
Van Hecke has faced criticism since making the move to Tottenham this summer amid struggles that have affected the entire team.
The 26-year-old cost the Lilywhites £52million to sign from Brighton, but he has yet to truly show his quality in a white shirt.
Van Hecke has looked to recapture some of that confidence while on international duty, and will hope to return to Tottenham in fine form ready for the upcoming fixtures.
Matches against Greece and Serbia again are still to come in the next week, with Roberto De Zerbi likely hoping to see his defender rested.
Jan Paul van Hecke's impressive stats vs Serbia
Van Hecke's quality has never been up for debate, but he appears to need a settled environment to show it in.
The defender has that for the Netherlands alongside Virgil van Dijk, and it showed in his stats against Serbia.
The Dutchman completed a staggering 109 passes in the game, maintaining a 93 per cent pass accuracy and firing seven into the final third.
One criticism Tottenham fans have had of Van Hecke is his ability in the air, but he proved he can do it on Sunday by winning seven of his eight aerial duels.
And that was not his only impressive defensive stat. The Tottenham man completed a staggering 11 clearances - more than anybody on the pitch.
He also made two interceptions and seven recoveries, with no outfield player for either team making more.
Netherlands media not convinced by Van Hecke
Van Hecke may find it difficult to keep his place in the Netherlands team once Jurrien Timber fully returns from injury.
If he can impress Xavi in this international break, however, he has every chance of becoming a key player under the Spaniard.
But while Sunday's display was strong statistically, the Dutch media appeared to be thoroughly unconvinced by Van Hecke.
"Jan Paul van Hecke has made a solid impression in recent international matches. However, he has had a number of weaker moments in almost every game," wrote outlet Mee Met Oranje.
"Against Serbia, too, the Dutch defense looked vulnerable at times, and the performance around Bart Verbruggen's penalty area was far from convincing.
"He lost possession unnecessarily on several occasions and was not always positionally strong. Therefore, when Jurrien Timber is fully fit again, it seems likely that he will have to relinquish his starting place."