Sepp van den Berg is having a great time on loan at Preston. The 20-year-old has blossomed whilst getting regular game time away from Liverpool.
The young Dutchman has started 25 of Preston’s 27 games in the second-tier this season. He’s starting to show why Jurgen Klopp called him a ‘big talent’ upon signing him for Liverpool as a 17-year-old in 2019.
His latest display has got fans excited about the player he is becoming. The centre-back was imperious as mid-table Preston beat promotion-chasing West Brom 2-0 away from home last night.
Fans of both Preston and Liverpool shared their excitement about van den Berg’s performance on Twitter.
Why is he at Preston
There were initially big hopes for van den Berg at Liverpool. He was expected to be part of the first team squad after signing from PEC Zwolle.
He made his Eredivisie debut aged just 16. Although he was never going to challenge the likes of Virgil Van Dijk, it was hoped that after a season or so acclimatising, he could be a proper squad player.
However, he struggled to get going for the younger age-groups. When he did get chances in the domestic cups for Liverpool, he didn’t stand out in young sides.
As a result, Liverpool sanctioned a six-month loan deal in January 2021. The move was part of the deal that saw Ben Davies sign for The Reds.
There’s no doubt who got the better deal there.
Does he have a future at Liverpool
Van den Berg impressed last season at Preston. Since returning to North End for a full-season loan in the summer, he has become a key player.
There was no doubt that he needed to bulk up as a centre-back. He also looked desperately shy and lacking in confidence at Liverpool. A year in the Championship looks to have been the best thing possible for him.
He will return to Liverpool in the summer full of belief. Whereas there was a feeling that he was being written off as a possible first team player, Klopp and his coaches will be looking forward to running the rule over him in pre-season.
With Joe Gomez’s future reportedly in the balance, there could be a spot for a young centre-back to fill. As he can also fill in at right-back, he could prove be a handy option for Liverpool.
If not, they look to have a willing buyer in Preston. Either way, van den Berg’s is a good example of a loan deal where everybody wins.
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