Sepp van den Berg may be on the verge of securing Liverpool's most successful loan deal of the season. After a January window with Kalvin Ramsey, Fabio Carvalho, Nathan Phillips and Rhys Williams, the Dutchman's position at Mainz has strengthened.
At the weekend, the relegation-threatened team received a visit from Augsburg at home. The 22-year-old then became the match-winner in red. Before the match, he participated in an interview with the Dutch magazine Voetball to talk about this season and the future.
-For the past three and a half years, I've always been somewhere else. It's been going well so far, because I've played a lot every year. Things are not going well with the team, but as a loan player, I also want to play as well. I'm doing it now, and I'm very happy about it. The centre-back starts.
– It is possible that Liverpool will want me to stay (until the summer). If I see that playing time will be limited, I may have to make the decision to leave. The most important thing for me is being on the field.
With Joel Matip's contract expiring and Joe Gomez off the slopes, opportunities could open up for the Dutchman under a new coach in the summer. However, the 22-year-old has not lost himself in the rather mediocre Mainz side.
Watch Van den Berg's goal:
– In the past I was away from the place next to Virgil (Van Dijk), but we will see what happens. I mean, things are going well right now. I can deal with Liverpool's level, but being a starter is another thing. Virgil and Konate are not young kids, so it will be difficult.
Evaluating the future
After loan spells at Preston, Schalke and now Mainz since his move to Anfield in 2019, the youngster has become a more experienced centre-back. If it's not Liverpool next season, he has no plans to return to his home country.
– Abroad is better. The level is higher. I don't want to underestimate the Eredivisie, and PSV Eindhoven is doing well, but on a fundamental level, Germany is better. All the young players want to play against Bayern Munich, Leverkusen and Leipzig. Even Cologne is a club with a big stadium and many fans.
– Ajax, Eindhoven, Feyenoord and Alkmaar are big clubs, but abroad they are more attractive. Therefore, it is a shame that the national team coach (Ronald Koeman) does not want to see more of Dutch football. I hope I get the chance from him one day.
After a strong season so far at Mainz, both Liverpool and Van den Berg would likely benefit from a sale, if the Reds do not want to keep him. The 22-year-old is holding all his cards open.
– My friend is in Barcelona, and it's hot there! Sometimes you also have to look at life outside football. The weather here (in Mainz) doesn't make me completely happy, but it will be a tough choice anyway. I'll have to see what's on the table in the summer, concluded the Dutchman.
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