It’s fair to say Liverpool youngsters have gone through a mixed season at their respective loan clubs.
Recently, both Leighton Clarkson and Rhys Williams returned from spells in the Championship with Blackburn Rovers and Swansea City having failed to earn regular first-team action.
However, one starlet who seems to be warming to the challenge is 20-year-old Dutch defender Sepp van den Berg.
Despite making a slow start to life at Preston North End, Van Den Berg has certainly impressed supporters and ex-Reds on social media with his latest performance against promotion-chasing West Brom.
Sepp van den Berg vs. West Brom:
-2 clearances
-1 blocked shot
-3 interceptions
-1 tackle
-5/6 aerial duels won
-1/2 ground duel won
-4/8 long balls completed@TownEndAnalysis analyzes the Liverpool loanee: https://t.co/vkO2SlutCr pic.twitter.com/T3t4sBwv0w— Breaking The Lines (@BTLvid) January 26, 2022
That’s a superb block from Sepp van den Berg to deny WBA an equaliser early in the second half 👏#Pnefc
— Neil Mellor (@NeilMellor33) January 26, 2022
Sep Van Den Berg may be the best defender I’ve ever seen in a Preston shirt. Pay Liverpool whatever they want
— Jordan Jolly (@Jordjolly) January 26, 2022
Top class performance from Sepp Van Den Berg tonight against West Brom. He was PNE's best defender today. Won 5/6 aerial duels, made 3 interceptions, 2 clearances and 2 very clutch tackles.
— MSC 🫡 (@Kloppista_LFC) January 26, 2022
Do everything to keep Sepp Van den Berg.
— oliver (@olihargreavess) January 26, 2022
Let’s be honest, Sepp Van Den Berg Is the best player on earth and Ryan Lowe is the best manager to have graced a touch line😍 #pnefc
— Dan (@DmPne99) January 27, 2022
Signed from PEC Zwolle for an initial £1.3million (BBC), the Holland Under 21 international made four senior outings for Jurgen Klopp’s side prior to a season-long loan switch.
Since arriving at Deepdale, Van Den Berg has scored twice in 31 appearances across all competitions.
READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT
Under contract until 2024 at Liverpool and having arrived with sky-high expectations, it’s unlikely the club would cut ties with the Dutchman altogether.
Utilised as both a centre-back and at right-back this term, adding additional versatility to an already promising talent could make for an exciting prospect.
With another young defender in Neco Williams seemingly manoeuvring for a Merseyside departure, continued performances such as this could see Van Den Berg thrust into a first-team role with the Reds.
