Speaking in an interview with Het Laaste Nieuws, van Aert confirmed that the green jersey is an ambition for him at the 2022 Tour de France after two years of looking an ominous contender in the classification, without pursuing it.
"Next year I really want to go for the green jersey," Van Aert said. "Then that's what will happen, and we will make a plan that fits in the general team tactics."
Primož Roglič remains the Jumbo-Visma team leader and the plan remains for him to try for the yellow jersey again after withdrawing following an early crash in the 2021 Tour.
Then, van Aert was key in leading the Jumbo-Visma revival as he won three stages, including the final sprint in Paris, eventually finishing fifth in the points classification 166 points down on Mark Cavendish, matching his result in the classification from 2020.
He was also not far off in the mountains classification, finishing fourth overall in the polka dot jersey standings.
The emergence of Jonas Vingegaard for second overall at the race further saved the race from the Dutch team's perspective and also showed what the squad can achieve without such a myopic focus as past editions of the race have shown. Van Aert said that while looking to take his own chances and have those supported, he's still keen to act as part of the team's pursuit of Roglič's overall goals.
"Even then, it does not mean that I am by definition a 'loose pawn' and that the six others can concentrate on Roglič," said van Aert.
"My point is that if I go for green, I expect the team to support me in that. And it would be a bit strange to say, 'Primož I won't help you'."
Van Aert's incredible versatility, matched with his formidable sprint stands him in good stead of winning the classification, which has been dominated by Peter Sagan, a less versatile rider than van Aert, even at his peak.
"I am a rider who can take rides and points without the teammates being bothered by it," said van Aert. "We will definitely look into that next year. And we'll see who can help me with that."
