‘Very happy’… 22-year-old Liverpool loanee just scored against Borussia Dortmund last night

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On-loan Liverpool defender Sepp van den Berg bagged his first goal of the season for Mainz last night.

After seeing last year ruined by injury, Van den Berg has quickly become a key player at Mainz. Starting 13 of the Bundesliga side’s 16 games so far and featuring from the bench in another two, the Dutchman’s getting the game time he needs.

Unfortunately, Mainz have struggled to get going, though. They currently sit just one place outside the relegation zone in the table.

Despite that, Jurgen Klopp’s old team secured a good result last night. Playing against Klopp’s other former side, Borussia Dortmund, Mainz took home a 1-1 draw, Van den Berg grabbing an equaliser just before half-time. And speaking to mainz05.de after the game, the 22-year-old said he was happy with the goal.

“I’m very proud of the team,” said the Netherlands U21 international. “The way we defended today was very good. Dortmund away, never easy. But yeah, I’m very happy with the goal.

“The way we defended, created chances in Dortmund against this team should give us confidence. [Now we have a] little break. Mentally especially, it’s been a tough, well, months to be honest.”

Van den Berg showing promise

As Liverpool scour the transfer market for new centre-back additions, they shouldn’t forget about Van den Berg.

Before he got injured at Schalke last season, the youngster had enjoyed an excellent spell in the Championship with Preston North End.

Turning 22 today (Happy Birthday Sepp!), Van den Berg is now at an age where his future needs to be considered.

If he isn’t good enough for the Liverpool first-team now, then the Reds should look to move him on.

There is an argument to be had that it would benefit Liverpool to bring Van den Berg back to Anfield in January. With Joel Matip out for the season, they could do with the cover.

But in reality, that wouldn’t make a great deal of sense. Although Mainz have been poor this season, Sepp will be learning a great deal from that. If he comes back to Liverpool he’d be getting the odd game here and there. It’s much better for the centre-back to be playing regularly at this stage.

At the end of the season though, you feel a decision needs to be made. If he can keep playing well, then perhaps Van den Berg will finally get a chance back home.

Given that it was a clash between his two old teams, you can imagine that Jurgen may have been tuned in last night. What better stage for the youngster to announce himself with his first goal of the season. Keep it up, Sepp!