The Holland defender is ready for another top-level test as his side go to Manchester United following recent battles with Joao Pedro and Nick Woltemade.
Fabian Hurzeler says van Hecke exceeds expectations on a regular basis – and he loves the centre-back’s direct approach on and off the pitch.
The Albion head coach said: “I learned a new phrase – discretionary effort.
“Discretionary effort was explained to me, where if you go over and above the things I expect, and I think JP is a prime example for that.
“He’s going over the expectations I have of him on the pitch.
“He always gives 120%. Beside the pitch he’s a great personality and you can see it in his development.
“When you see his past, where he has come from, what he went through to where he is now, you see a really consistent development.
“That's because of his, his attitude. That's because of his mindset. His effort is always above the things you can expect as a coach.
“That makes his values so important to us. He's a Dutch guy, so I already like his, he’s very straight with you and honest with his opinion.
“I think that's always powerful in the team. He's one of my leaders, he's in the leadership group.
“He has taken more responsibility and more ownership this season. I think that's the next step for him, to not only be a great performer, but also try to be a leader in this club.”
Van Hecke is under contract until the end of next season but the club would love to extend that.
Hurzeler says the key remains to focus on the present but added: “Hopefully he has a long and bright future here in Brighton.”