Janse is happy to talk about his fellow international—not just because they lifted the trophy together, but also because he sees Heerkens as a quality keeper. The defender describes him as the kind of goalkeeper who gives confidence. "He stops a lot of shots. He’s not someone who just stays on his line and keeps quiet—he comes out and makes himself known."
On a personal level too, Janse speaks highly of the 19-year-old keeper, who grew up in Broumov, a small town near the Polish border. His parents have been running a campsite there for nineteen years. It was on the gravel pitches with camping guests that young Heerkens developed his love for the game.
Football talent runs in the family. Heerkens's mother used to play for the Dutch women’s national team. He himself started at local club TJ Slovan Broumov.
Boarding school accommodation
In 2018, he joined FK Náchod, about 45 minutes from his hometown. That distance grew when he signed for FC Hradec Králové, a top-tier Czech club located around eighty kilometres from his family and the campsite. Heerkens moved into boarding school accommodation.
After two years of hard work and independence, Sparta Prague came calling in mid-2021. Then aged fifteen, Heerkens made the switch to the capital and shortly after made his debut for the Czech Republic U16 team. Things progressed quickly from there: he moved through Sparta's youth ranks and featured for the Czech U17 and U18 sides. Between February and June 2024, he was loaned to Loko Vltavin. Last season, he played in the Czech second division for Sparta Prague's B team.
"He's someone who really works hard for his dream and gives everything," Janse explains. Heerkens didn’t play for the Czech side at the U19 Euros, but for the Netherlands—something made possible by his dual nationality. "We shared a room at the tournament. If he was ever lying on his bed, it was a rare sight—he was constantly working on his body. He's a quiet guy who knows what’s expected of him. A really good lad."
At that same U19 Euros in Romania, Janse was pleased with their partnership. Heerkens kept three clean sheets. "We worked together well, really. He's very vocal, which is great for defenders. But at the same time, he’s calm—in the right way. I’m happy for him that he’s joining Ajax. It’s a perfect place for young players to develop. I know him, which makes it even better. I imagine it's nice for him too, coming from the Czech Republic, to already know some of the guys in our squad."
