The Tottenham summer signing who is providing a surprise creative spark

The Standard's Sam Tabuteau argues that summer signing Jan Paul van Hecke has emerged as an unlikely creative spark for Roberto De Zerbi's Tottenham Hotspur. Arriving from Brighton for £52 million, the Dutch center-back has impressed with his ball-playing ability in James Maddison's absence, recently completing a club-record 143 passes against Crystal Palace.

Tabuteau highlights that Van Hecke has formed a reliable defensive partnership with fellow Dutch international Micky van de Ven. Having scored Tottenham's winning goal against Palace to become their joint top league scorer with two goals, Van Hecke's composure and aggression have helped Spurs maintain an unbeaten run following the October international break.