Liverpool fans may have seen very little of 22-year-old defender Sepp van den Berg since he joined in 2019, but should they let the youngster go?
The Dutch under-21 international has only made four first-team appearances for the Reds since signing from PEC Zwolle, having had loan spells at Preston North End, Schalke and last season with Mainz.
But, according to reports, he could be set to leave Anfield this summer and head back to the Bundesliga amid interest from Hoffenheim and Mainz.
Van den Berg was a regular starter for the German side last campaign, featuring 36 times across all competitions and scoring three goals.
When compared to other young defenders across Europe, he stacks up well.
According to Opta, among all under-23 defenders, only Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite had a higher duel success rate (68%) in the big-five European leagues in 2023-24 than Van den Berg (65%, minimum 165 duels).
Having travelled with the Reds squad for their US pre-season tour, he may yet get a chance to prove himself to new boss Arne Slot.
The right side of Liverpool‘s defence was changeable last season so an opportunity is there, and if Van den Berg was to stay, he could come face to face with fellow Premier League defenders on that list.
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