Summer signing earns Premier League Player of the Month nod after breaking Tottenham passing record

Scoring a header while sitting on the turf and completing a club record 143 passes summed up an unforgettable October for Jan Paul van Hecke. Now, the Dutch defender is in the running for the Premier League Player of the Month prize after anchoring Tottenham through an unbeaten run.

Scoring a header while sitting down against Crystal Palace capped off a sensational October for Jan Paul van Hecke. He also completed aclub record 143 passesin that 2-0 win.

The Premier League has shortlisted the Dutch defender for the monthly player award. Across the entire division, no other player attempted or completed more passes last month.

Jan Paul van Hecke has helped Spurs record two clean sheets during their unbeaten league run. [Image via Tottenham Hotspur] Reuniting with Roberto De Zerbi after his summer move from Brighton suited the 26-year-old straight away.

Because he already knew the system, the ball playing centre back settled into North London life fast. Throughout October, he played every single minute across one draw and three consecutive victories.

Along the way, his composure at the back helped Tottenham keep two clean sheets. Tactical adaptability stood out as the defender switched partners and roles without missing a beat.

Early in the month, he impressed alongside Marcos Senesi during a gritty1-1 drawat Manchester United. Next, he shifted to the right of a back three for the visit of Coventry City.

Tottenham won that home clash 3-1 to claim their first league victory of the campaign. Forming a Dutch defensive wall and battling seven rivals for the October trophy Moving back into a central pair for the trip to Chelsea produced another standout moment.

Alongside fellow Dutchman Micky van de Ven, he dominated both boxes in a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge. At a corner, his aerial challenge forced goalkeeper Mike Penders to punch the ball into his own net.