As far as Dutch centre-halves go, Liverpool have the best. The colossal Virgil van Dijk is respected as the best defender in the world. Finding someone to partner him has not been a problem for Liverpool either. Both Joel Matip and Joe Gomez have shown the best form of their careers alongside Van Dijk.
Another Dutch Liverpool defender will be aiming to have the same impact as Van Dijk. 18-year-old Sepp van den Berg will be looking forward to another season as a Liverpool player and be aiming to continue his development under the club.
Recapping 2019/20: The making of a good player
Van den Berg is a defender full of potential. His £4.4million signing in June 2019 was one of the only moves that the then Champions of Europe made last summer. He was signed as a youngster who could develop under Jurgen Klopp to first-team level. This is still very much the plan for van den Berg.
His first season at Anfield has been relatively successful. Training with the first-team and playing 11 games for the U23’s has aided his progression. He also played four games for the first-team, once in the FA Cup in the replay against Shrewsbury and the others in Liverpool’s League Cup run. It is likely that he will be given the same opportunities, as Klopp likes to play younger players in the cup competitions.
2020/21 prospects: No need to rush Van den Berg
Whilst Liverpool are currently unsure who will be their fourth choice centre back for next season, it is unlikely to be van den Berg. Dejan Lovren was sold for £10.9million after six years at the club. Although not being a fan favourite, it will be hard to find someone of his quality for a similar price and willingness to be fourth-choice.
This problem could see van den Berg being given a chance to show his quality but given Matip and Gomez’s injury proneness, Klopp will probably look to bring someone in. In Liverpool’s 5-0 defeat to Aston Villa, it was clear that van den Berg still lacks the maturity and strength to play at the highest level.
This won’t concern Klopp as Van den Berg will continue to improve.