Liverpool’s need for a new centre-back this summer has been starkly laid bare over recent weeks.
It could be argued that the Reds actually needed to sign a defender last summer, but they decided to focus purely on the midfield instead.
In hindsight, that was probably a mistake. Although the lack of a new addition allowed Jarell Quansah to flourish, it did mean that Jurgen Klopp had nowhere to turn once Ibrahima Konate’s form nose-dived and Joel Matip’s season was ended by injury.
Had they another body to call upon, perhaps Konate wouldn’t have been exposed as badly as he ultimately was.
Nevertheless, it sounds like Liverpool are ready to right the wrongs of last year and sign a centre-back for Arne Slot. Looking at some interesting statistics released this week though, maybe they actually don’t need to.
Sepp van den Berg tops impressive list
Slot’s arrivals at Liverpool could be good news for a number of players in the Reds first-team squad. For those previously unfancied under the manager, it can be a new start.
This logic can certainly apply to loan players and we think Liverpool have a few who’ve been away from the club this season who might now benefit.
At the top of that list should be Sepp van den Berg. The 22-year-old has become a key player at Mainz and has really caught the eye in the process.
And as Liverpool scour Europe for a young defender to bring in, Van den Berg’s development should not be ignored.
According to football statistics company WhoScored.com on X, the Dutchman’s season rating of 7.02 is the highest for a centre-back under the age of 23 in Europe’s top five leagues.
Could Van den Berg be in Arne Slot’s first-team
Personally, we’d love to see Van den Berg given a chance at Liverpool under Slot. His development since first leaving on-loan to Preston in 2021 has been phenomenal.
With centre-back being a position that the Reds need to strengthen anyway, it makes sense to run the rule over Sepp in pre-season.
The other argument is of course that the Netherlands U21 international’s value has never been higher.
Van den Berg has previously spoken of a desire to play in Italy, so maybe Liverpool would be wise to cash in on him if they’ve got a chance to.
But we’d actually suggest that it may make more sense to give him a whirl, and possibly send Quansah on-loan to a team where he’ll play every week. Either way, Van den Berg has earned some clarity on his future this summer.