Should Sepp van den Berg Get His Anfield Opportunity

At the end of last season there was some speculation that the returning Liverpool loanee, Sepp van den Berg, was looking to make his temporary move to Bundesliga side, Mainz, a permanent one. After arriving on Merseyside as a 16-year-old (from the Eredivisie), the promising youngster steadily gained match experience to further his development by undertaking multiple loans.

Unfortunately, most youngsters will fail to make the grade at an elite footballing institution (such as Liverpool FC), which will eventually lead to a footballing crossroads. In my opinion, there are very few downsides to landing at the AXA Training Centre, especially during an era that saw combinations of both Jürgen Klopp and Michael Edwards in charge.

Much like so many of the fanbase, I assumed that the 22-year-old would see his wish to depart quickly granted, thus making either a permanent move to the club where he excelled last year, or to some other interested party. Under the leadership of the new CEO, Edwards, and alongside his newly appointed Sporting Director, Richard Hughes, there was a £20m price tag placed upon the head of the Netherlands under 21 international, as clubs started to take notice.

In the aftermath of this proclamation, comments arose from the players camp, with an air of negativity towards the high fee being set. In the weeks that followed, the club introduced Arne Slot into his new position of Head Coach, where he was able to spend the initial part of his preseason acclimatizing himself to his new surroundings and players, including like the 6ft 3inch defender.

Potentially Staying on Merseyside?

First and foremost, it must be stated that the lightning quick player is returning to his parent club, following an outstanding campaign in Germany. As Liverpool continue to be linked to the teenage French defensive sensation, Leny Yoro, any failure to land this world-class prospect may leave an opening for the versatile alternative, Sepp van den Berg, to emerge. Under new management and with the surroundings aligning to create a strong Dutch environment, I do wonder whether it would be in the interest of both player and club to allow an opportunity to high-level the player, one who is under contract for another two years.

As a strapping and combative right foot defender, coverage of both the RCB and RB positions would offer immediate depth against the injury issues that continue to surround the France international, Ibrahima Konaté. Following the departure of the former Cameroonian international, Joël Matip, as well as the expected sales of Nat Phillips, Rhys Williams, and Billy Koumetio, it may represent the perfect moment to regenerate the rearguard of the squad with a young and hungry individual. Given the level of play already portrayed by the young man himself, I cannot see and negative, aside from the comments that were made by an uncertain footballer who merely wants to be part of something permanent.

Looking Ahead

With Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander Arnold still involved in the European Championships, there must remain a sense of patience until both these assets have returned to the fold. The fringe place that I listed above, will all be sold very shortly, as the first team regulars return sporadically from their summer tournaments.

Given those circumstances, I suspect that the player will be involved in the upcoming preseason matches and training, until at least August. Various conversations will be undertaken by the hierarchy and the lads’ representatives, as plans become that bit clearer each day. Now, I would say the future of the player remains in the balance, which enables a period to either make a strong impression on the new Head Coach, or give his people time to engineer the right move away.

Unfortunately for the ambitious defender, when signing for an elite football club and penning a long-term contract, much of the power is then placed into the hands of the executives above him. After six years of superb oversight, beneficial loans, periods of high-level training (in Liverpool), as well as a very well-paid contract, the crunch time has now arrived. To be worthy of an extended stay Liverpool, is something that should always be fought for, as to play for this historic club is a privilege for anyone lucky enough to wear the famous shirt should never forget that undeniable fact.