JP: Our best performance of the season so far

Main Club Sponsor

TICKETS

SHOP

Defender delighted to mark his 100th Albion appearance in win over Newcastle.

2025-10-21T06:00+01:00

JP gets above Nick Woltemade and wins another header against Newcastle United on Saturday. 📷 James Boardman

Jan Paul van Hecke believes that his 100th Albion first-team appearance came in one of the team’s best performances of the season so far.

The Netherlands defender reached his century in the 2-1 home victory over Newcastle United on Saturday, when the defence restricted the Geordies to just three shots on target and the attack became the first to breach the Magpies’ rearguard on the road in the Premier League this season.

“Yeah, I think overall we had a performance where we were strong,” he said. “Of course, Newcastle are also a really good team and that's what they showed. We had some problems for 20-25 minutes when they scored, but then we did really well.”

Head coach Fabian Hurzeler had revealed before the game that the team had worked hard in training on a plan to kept Newcastle’s 6ft 6in Germany striker Nick Woltemade quiet. And apart from that one moment when the forward’s improvised backheel found its way past Bart Verbruggen, that plan worked to perfection.

Jan Paul van Hecke celebrated his 100th appearance against Newcastle. 📷 Paul Hazlewood.

“I enjoyed it,” JP said of his battle with the £69m former Stuttgart man. “He's a good player and I was looking forward to playing against him. He wants to link the game and I think he does it well. He's, of course, good in the air. He's quite tall and tried to go to the back post.

“I thought I did really well, but then he did an exceptional goal. I didn't even know how he did it, but that was top quality and fair play to him.

“After their goal I was really happy that we scored and you could see everyone throw their body on the line. We made some really good blocks and I think overall it was a good performance. Everyone was really happy with the win.”

He also praised the contribution of two-goal Danny Welbeck, who replied to Woltemade’s goal with a quick-fire winner.

“Danny scored a great goal,” JP said. “Of course, I think last season he did it to Newcastle twice or three times. He's a great player and also the way he works for the team is incredible and an inspiration for everybody else. When he's in the dressing room or when he speaks, or even his actions on the pitch, his behaviour, his body language, you see other players look up to him.

“He's probably the best professional I've ever seen, mentality-wise as well. He's always in good spirits and always has a good mindset. Everyone is really happy to have him here. He's still a top striker.”