De Zerbi: van Hecke the next Dunk

The head coach discussed Jan Paul, as well as Billy Gilmour, Facundo Buonanotte and Jakub Moder in his press conference ahead of the Burnley game.

Charlie Hanson

2023-12-09T06:00:00Z

Lewis Dunk and Jan Paul van Hecke are both in contention to play on Saturday against Burnley.

Roberto De Zerbi believes that Jan Paul van Hecke can be the next Lewis Dunk.

The head coach recently predicted Jack Hinshelwood could be the next Pascal Gross, but in his press conference previewing today's game against Burnley the Italian was asked who could one day fill the leadership role of Lewis Dunk.

“JP van Hecke,” Roberto said. “JP is already a leader. Billy Gilmour [as well]. The improvement of Gilmour is incredible. I completely love him because now he is playing very much like a leader on the pitch - big quality, big attitude, big player.

“I would like Facundo to observe Adam Lallana because he can be [like him]. They’re different in terms of characteristics, but the position is very close. Facundo can be important now and in the future.”

His praise of Billy Gilmour didn’t stop there.

“Billy Gilmour is improving in the quality of the pass, in the personality and how he can drive the team and control the game - to understand the play before he receives the ball.

“He understood when he has to play a long ball and a short pass because the defensive space starts from how long the pass is. I am very pleased with his performances.”

Jakub Moder came on as a substitute against Brentford on Wednesday.

Roberto also discussed the return of Jakub Moder to the team after his 19-month injury absence.

“He needs time on the pitch. He played in a very difficult situation against Nottingham Forest, in another difficult situation in the last 10-15 minutes against Brentford. It’s important for him to play game by game – maybe he can sometimes play 30 minutes.

“We are waiting for the right moment to put him on the pitch. In the first moment, it is difficult to understand how much time he can play. First of all, we don’t take risks with him.

“If we lose one month with a muscular injury, it can be a big problem for him. He is another potential leader of Brighton in the future.”