Jan Paul van Hecke has admitted that he is dreaming about the prospect of making his Brighton debut against Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo on the opening day of the new campaign.
The central defender joined Brighton from NAC Breda almost two years ago but is yet to make his first competitive appearance for the south coast club. He has spent the last two seasons out on loan, spending time with both SC Heerenveen and most recently Blackburn Rovers.
The highly-rated defender racked up 31 appearances for Rovers last term, earning plenty of plaudits. His performances for the Championship outfit earned him his first call-up to the Netherlands Under-21 squad last month and he started their 6-0 win over Gibraltar.
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Having enjoyed success with both Blackburn and the national team over the past few months, Van Hecke has aspirations of becoming a regular fixture in Brighton manager Graham Potter's plans this coming season. And the Dutchman has admitted that it would be a dream to make his Seagulls debut against Ronaldo when Brighton visit Old Trafford on the opening weekend of the new Premier League campaign next month.
"I'm still pretty fit because I've been on the road with Jong Oranje for another eighteen days," Van Hecke told Omroep Zeeland. "And I am now used to English football.
"That makes a big difference. I am curious how I am doing, but they have said they want to see me.
"Dreams are always allowed. Making my debut against Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford. We are going to see in the near future. Playing in the Premier League was the ultimate goal as a little boy."
It remains to be seen, of course, if Ronaldo will still be a United player come the opening weekend of the new campaign. He wants to leave the club and has not travelled with the rest of the squad to Thailand for the start of their pre-season tour.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner wants to leave Old Trafford in pursuit of Champions League football, while frustrations about the club's lack of transfer business so far this summer is another reason. United, though, have reiterated that he is not for sale.
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