Sepp van den Berg
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Sheep in wolves clothing
http://www.football-oranje.com/the-50-eredivisie-u21-stars-to-watch-2018-19-sepp-van-den-berg/
Dated Aug 2018
[article]
A 16-year-old centre-back already playing regularly at the Netherlands top level? Sepp van den Berg is repaying the trust given to him by PEC Zwolle with some performances well beyond his years.
Characterised by his ginger mop and standing at just over 6 feet tall (1.89m), van den Berg is still growing physically because of his age. He has spent his teenage years so far in the PEC Zwolle youth academy and he made his unofficial debut last summer in a friendly match against amateurs HZVV.
After sitting with the substitutes on several occasions during last season, van den Berg got his first competitive opportunity as a half-time substitute in a 2-0 defeat against Groningen. In that match, van den Berg became the youngest ever player to be given a yellow card in the Eredivisie.
However, those 45 minutes were enough to persuade PEC Zwolle manager John van ‘t Schip to hand the teenager his first start in a 3-4 home defeat to Dutch giants Feyenoord. This was followed by van den Berg enjoying his first clean sheet, a 2-0 win over Sparta Rotterdam, and another full 90 minutes in a 1-1 draw with Excelsior.
The 16-year-old’s six Eredivisie appearances last season culminated with another 57 minutes against Twente and a first-half against AZ (where the score was only 1-0 before van den Berg’s withdrawal – AZ then went on to win 6-0).
Van den Berg is yet to make his debut for the Netherlands at any youth level (to date), but it is only a matter of time before he does thanks to his rapid development.
Style of Play
Despite his age, van den Berg has shown great bravery to play against some of the Eredivisie’s best players. He is a solid tackler and is fairly strong. The teenager still has to develop physically though to win more aerial duels and needs to gain more maturity with some of his decision making, for example through his pressing on attackers.
The centre-back’s all-round game is very good for his age and naturally, as a Dutch defender, van den Berg is comfortable with the ball at his feet to start off attacking moves.
What to expect from van den Berg this season
In the little we have seen of van den Berg, it’s clear that he is developing rapidly. This season, it’s likely that the defender will be in first-team contention, but not guaranteed a starting spot in PEC’s team, which can only be healthy for his progress.
However, with a full season under his belt in Zwolle and breaking into the Dutch national team’s youth ranks, it won’t be long before the rest of Europe hears of the name Sepp van den Berg. [/article]
He'll ultimately qualify as 'home-grown' player too, if he does make it.
https://gossipela.com/2019/06/25/the-record-breaking-rise-of-sepp-van-den-berg/
[article]Liverpool are set to finish the signing of Dutch centre-back Sepp van den Berg this summer season, with the record-breaking teenager one other shrewd acquisition.
Lower than a month after becoming a member of first-team coaching for the primary time, Ki-Jana Hoever grew to become the Reds’ third-youngest debutant, coming off the bench within the FA Cup defeat to Wolves in January.
It capped a formidable surge by the ranks since his arrival from Ajax the earlier summer season, making his under-18s bow in September, then with the under-19s in October and onto the under-23s in November.
Again in Hoever’s native Netherlands, a yr prior, Van den Berg had skilled an analogous rise, however a much less demanding atmosphere supplied him extra of a gap.
At the start of 2018, {the teenager} was named PEC Zwolle’s Youth Participant of the Month for December; in February, he signed a two-year skilled contract with the Eredivisie aspect.
“A step-by-step plan has been drawn up along with Sepp,” Zwolle technical director Gerard Nijkamp defined.
“A part of this step-by-step plan is connecting the participant to the membership in order that he can develop additional right here. The overarching objective is to coach boys from our personal soccer academy for the primary crew.”
A month later, a 16-year-old Van den Berg made his debut for the senior aspect, changing Erik Bakker at half-time with Zwolle 1-Zero all the way down to FC Groningen in March, 2018.
Van den Berg appeared to have grasped the tempo of the sport nicely, however was powerless to forestall Zwolle conceding a second objective by Ajdin Hrustic on the best way to a 2-Zero defeat, additionally selecting up a yellow card for a foul in stoppage time.
Regardless of the loss, it was a milestone afternoon for {the teenager}, and the membership’s “step-by-step plan” noticed him begin in 5 of the ultimate seven video games of the 2017/18 Eredivisie marketing campaign.
This included a man-of-the-match efficiency within the 2-Zero win over Sparta Rotterdam in solely his third look, which additionally earned him a spot within the Dutch high flight’s Group of the Week:
By September, Van den Berg had made historical past, because the youngest-ever participant to play at the least 10 video games within the Eredivisie, breaking Clarence Seedorf’s report at 16 years and 256 days.
He remained an everyday a part of the Zwolle first crew all through 2018/19, making 15 extra appearances within the league together with 10 begins, although his alternatives dried up following the appointment of Jaap Stam in December.
Stam, one of many Premier League‘s greatest-ever centre-backs, most well-liked the pairing of Thomas Lam and Bram van Polen, however Van den Berg nonetheless stored a spot on the substitutes’ bench.
At 17, the defender has already made 22 Eredivisie appearances, and it’s due to this fact no surprise the likes of Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Ajax and PSV Eindhoven have an interest.
Van den Berg started his youth profession with no consideration winger, owing to his appreciable tempo, however later dropped into right-back and, ultimately, throughout to centre-back.
His velocity within the restoration continues to be an enormous a part of his recreation, whereas his skill to learn the play permits him to step out of defence and quell hazard earlier than it mounts.
Standing at 6’2″, he’s additionally blessed with the body of a number one centre-back, although given he gained’t flip 18 till December, like Hoever he nonetheless has plenty of work to do within the fitness center.
Unsurprising as a result of his upbringing, Van den Berg can be comfy in possession, and is ready to push play ahead with each lengthy and quick passes.
He registered Zwolle’s second-highest passing accuracy (270+ minutes) final season, at 88.four p.c.
Based on soccer author Jan Riha (@HonzaRihaftbl), nevertheless, he “has actually awkward stability at instances” and “appeared to battle fitness-wise later in video games,” however it will doubtless include age and expertise.
Maybe most spectacular, although, is Van den Berg’s maturity; the Dutchman is ready to communicate English to a powerful normal, however crystallised his strategy completely in an interview in his native tongue in June of final yr.
“I will be extraordinarily crucial of myself. After I was youthful, it may actually get in the best way. If I had a nasty second within the recreation, I generally wished to let my head grasp,” he instructed Voetbal Worldwide.
“That’s now significantly better. I do assume {that a} sportsman ought to at all times need higher. I believe that’s the final word method to succeed.”
{The teenager}, who got here up towards Robin van Persie in solely his second recreation as a senior participant towards Feyenoord, additionally showcased a much-needed confidence.
“I’m pretty calm, not the kind who is anxious with an opponent within the tunnel,” he defined.
“The one factor I can do is play my very own recreation. After I enter a duel, it doesn’t matter if the opponent performs for Volendam Onder-19 or known as Robin van Persie.
“You simply need to win all of your duels. Names don’t rely.”
For Liverpool followers, after all, names do rely within the switch market, and Van den Berg’s is probably the most high-profile of a quiet summer season to date.
The membership are anticipated to unveil the 17-year-old as their first ‘main’ signing of the summer season later this week, beating Bayern, Ajax, PSV and Sampdoria to a deal price round £2 million.
He’ll be part of the Reds’ academy ranks initially, which is apt following the departures of Corey Whelan, Conor Masterson, Juanma, Patrik Raitanen and presumably George Johnston.
This raises the opportunity of Van den Berg and Hoever partnering one another for the under-23s, but it surely doubtless gained’t be lengthy till each are rising from the fringes of the primary crew.
Based on Aim‘s Neil Jones, Liverpool’s head of recruitment Dave Fallows and chief scout Barry Hunter are “assured” Van den Berg “is at an analogous degree to [Joe] Gomez 4 years in the past.”
Gomez arrived for a charge of £3.5 million in 2015 having made 24 appearances for Charlton, and although accidents have blighted his 4 years at Anfield to date, he has proven world-class potential as a first-team centre-back.
It will be remiss to place related expectations on Van den Berg, however he joins with related expertise to Gomez, who was 18 when he made the change and, just like the Dutchman, was an under-19 worldwide capable of play right-back and centre-back.
Van den Berg will likely be a part of one other shakeup of the membership’s youth setup this summer season, following Polish goalkeeper Jakub Ojrzynski and Northern Irish midfielder Conor Bradley to the membership.
However his transfer is understandably receiving probably the most fanfare, as Liverpool may have secured one other discount.
[/article]
Dated Aug 2018
[article]
A 16-year-old centre-back already playing regularly at the Netherlands top level? Sepp van den Berg is repaying the trust given to him by PEC Zwolle with some performances well beyond his years.
Characterised by his ginger mop and standing at just over 6 feet tall (1.89m), van den Berg is still growing physically because of his age. He has spent his teenage years so far in the PEC Zwolle youth academy and he made his unofficial debut last summer in a friendly match against amateurs HZVV.
After sitting with the substitutes on several occasions during last season, van den Berg got his first competitive opportunity as a half-time substitute in a 2-0 defeat against Groningen. In that match, van den Berg became the youngest ever player to be given a yellow card in the Eredivisie.
However, those 45 minutes were enough to persuade PEC Zwolle manager John van ‘t Schip to hand the teenager his first start in a 3-4 home defeat to Dutch giants Feyenoord. This was followed by van den Berg enjoying his first clean sheet, a 2-0 win over Sparta Rotterdam, and another full 90 minutes in a 1-1 draw with Excelsior.
The 16-year-old’s six Eredivisie appearances last season culminated with another 57 minutes against Twente and a first-half against AZ (where the score was only 1-0 before van den Berg’s withdrawal – AZ then went on to win 6-0).
Van den Berg is yet to make his debut for the Netherlands at any youth level (to date), but it is only a matter of time before he does thanks to his rapid development.
Style of Play
Despite his age, van den Berg has shown great bravery to play against some of the Eredivisie’s best players. He is a solid tackler and is fairly strong. The teenager still has to develop physically though to win more aerial duels and needs to gain more maturity with some of his decision making, for example through his pressing on attackers.
The centre-back’s all-round game is very good for his age and naturally, as a Dutch defender, van den Berg is comfortable with the ball at his feet to start off attacking moves.
What to expect from van den Berg this season
In the little we have seen of van den Berg, it’s clear that he is developing rapidly. This season, it’s likely that the defender will be in first-team contention, but not guaranteed a starting spot in PEC’s team, which can only be healthy for his progress.
However, with a full season under his belt in Zwolle and breaking into the Dutch national team’s youth ranks, it won’t be long before the rest of Europe hears of the name Sepp van den Berg. [/article]
He'll ultimately qualify as 'home-grown' player too, if he does make it.
https://gossipela.com/2019/06/25/the-record-breaking-rise-of-sepp-van-den-berg/
[article]Liverpool are set to finish the signing of Dutch centre-back Sepp van den Berg this summer season, with the record-breaking teenager one other shrewd acquisition.
Lower than a month after becoming a member of first-team coaching for the primary time, Ki-Jana Hoever grew to become the Reds’ third-youngest debutant, coming off the bench within the FA Cup defeat to Wolves in January.
It capped a formidable surge by the ranks since his arrival from Ajax the earlier summer season, making his under-18s bow in September, then with the under-19s in October and onto the under-23s in November.
Again in Hoever’s native Netherlands, a yr prior, Van den Berg had skilled an analogous rise, however a much less demanding atmosphere supplied him extra of a gap.
At the start of 2018, {the teenager} was named PEC Zwolle’s Youth Participant of the Month for December; in February, he signed a two-year skilled contract with the Eredivisie aspect.
“A step-by-step plan has been drawn up along with Sepp,” Zwolle technical director Gerard Nijkamp defined.
“A part of this step-by-step plan is connecting the participant to the membership in order that he can develop additional right here. The overarching objective is to coach boys from our personal soccer academy for the primary crew.”
A month later, a 16-year-old Van den Berg made his debut for the senior aspect, changing Erik Bakker at half-time with Zwolle 1-Zero all the way down to FC Groningen in March, 2018.
Van den Berg appeared to have grasped the tempo of the sport nicely, however was powerless to forestall Zwolle conceding a second objective by Ajdin Hrustic on the best way to a 2-Zero defeat, additionally selecting up a yellow card for a foul in stoppage time.
Regardless of the loss, it was a milestone afternoon for {the teenager}, and the membership’s “step-by-step plan” noticed him begin in 5 of the ultimate seven video games of the 2017/18 Eredivisie marketing campaign.
This included a man-of-the-match efficiency within the 2-Zero win over Sparta Rotterdam in solely his third look, which additionally earned him a spot within the Dutch high flight’s Group of the Week:
By September, Van den Berg had made historical past, because the youngest-ever participant to play at the least 10 video games within the Eredivisie, breaking Clarence Seedorf’s report at 16 years and 256 days.
He remained an everyday a part of the Zwolle first crew all through 2018/19, making 15 extra appearances within the league together with 10 begins, although his alternatives dried up following the appointment of Jaap Stam in December.
Stam, one of many Premier League‘s greatest-ever centre-backs, most well-liked the pairing of Thomas Lam and Bram van Polen, however Van den Berg nonetheless stored a spot on the substitutes’ bench.
At 17, the defender has already made 22 Eredivisie appearances, and it’s due to this fact no surprise the likes of Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Ajax and PSV Eindhoven have an interest.
Van den Berg started his youth profession with no consideration winger, owing to his appreciable tempo, however later dropped into right-back and, ultimately, throughout to centre-back.
His velocity within the restoration continues to be an enormous a part of his recreation, whereas his skill to learn the play permits him to step out of defence and quell hazard earlier than it mounts.
Standing at 6’2″, he’s additionally blessed with the body of a number one centre-back, although given he gained’t flip 18 till December, like Hoever he nonetheless has plenty of work to do within the fitness center.
Unsurprising as a result of his upbringing, Van den Berg can be comfy in possession, and is ready to push play ahead with each lengthy and quick passes.
He registered Zwolle’s second-highest passing accuracy (270+ minutes) final season, at 88.four p.c.
Based on soccer author Jan Riha (@HonzaRihaftbl), nevertheless, he “has actually awkward stability at instances” and “appeared to battle fitness-wise later in video games,” however it will doubtless include age and expertise.
Maybe most spectacular, although, is Van den Berg’s maturity; the Dutchman is ready to communicate English to a powerful normal, however crystallised his strategy completely in an interview in his native tongue in June of final yr.
“I will be extraordinarily crucial of myself. After I was youthful, it may actually get in the best way. If I had a nasty second within the recreation, I generally wished to let my head grasp,” he instructed Voetbal Worldwide.
“That’s now significantly better. I do assume {that a} sportsman ought to at all times need higher. I believe that’s the final word method to succeed.”
{The teenager}, who got here up towards Robin van Persie in solely his second recreation as a senior participant towards Feyenoord, additionally showcased a much-needed confidence.
“I’m pretty calm, not the kind who is anxious with an opponent within the tunnel,” he defined.
“The one factor I can do is play my very own recreation. After I enter a duel, it doesn’t matter if the opponent performs for Volendam Onder-19 or known as Robin van Persie.
“You simply need to win all of your duels. Names don’t rely.”
For Liverpool followers, after all, names do rely within the switch market, and Van den Berg’s is probably the most high-profile of a quiet summer season to date.
The membership are anticipated to unveil the 17-year-old as their first ‘main’ signing of the summer season later this week, beating Bayern, Ajax, PSV and Sampdoria to a deal price round £2 million.
He’ll be part of the Reds’ academy ranks initially, which is apt following the departures of Corey Whelan, Conor Masterson, Juanma, Patrik Raitanen and presumably George Johnston.
This raises the opportunity of Van den Berg and Hoever partnering one another for the under-23s, but it surely doubtless gained’t be lengthy till each are rising from the fringes of the primary crew.
Based on Aim‘s Neil Jones, Liverpool’s head of recruitment Dave Fallows and chief scout Barry Hunter are “assured” Van den Berg “is at an analogous degree to [Joe] Gomez 4 years in the past.”
Gomez arrived for a charge of £3.5 million in 2015 having made 24 appearances for Charlton, and although accidents have blighted his 4 years at Anfield to date, he has proven world-class potential as a first-team centre-back.
It will be remiss to place related expectations on Van den Berg, however he joins with related expertise to Gomez, who was 18 when he made the change and, just like the Dutchman, was an under-19 worldwide capable of play right-back and centre-back.
Van den Berg will likely be a part of one other shakeup of the membership’s youth setup this summer season, following Polish goalkeeper Jakub Ojrzynski and Northern Irish midfielder Conor Bradley to the membership.
However his transfer is understandably receiving probably the most fanfare, as Liverpool may have secured one other discount.
[/article]
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So this guy, the Hoever, VVD, Gini. We're all about the Dutch at the minute.
He probably dont, but its been a long time since we signed a viking type. We should sign one this summer, may even calm some of our restless viking types a bit. I was thinking a big tall, blu eyed blonde, built in the same way as VVD. Even if he is shit, we should get one for marketing purposes at least.
Exciting summer when the highlight videos look like the pitch is on a colonial village square.
His velocity within the restoration continues to be an enormous a part of his recreation, whereas his skill to learn the play permits him to step out of defence and quell hazard earlier than it mounts.
This is exactly what we've needed for a long time.
This is exactly what we've needed for a long time.
[article]Johan Inan, who covers PEC for Zwolle-based newspaper De Stentor, has few doubts over Van den Berg's talent but believes a big move to Anfield should be the opportunity for the player to start pushing himself more.
He told the ECHO: “Jaap Stam came in as head coach in December and in January he put Sepp in the reserve team for a week just to trigger him to work harder, be more aggressive and give it his all.
“Stam talked several times with him, worked after training sessions one-on-one with Sepp, but the truth is that the teacher saw his student making just a little improvement.
“So the potential is there, but for Sepp it’s time to combine his talent with mental toughness and passion, just like they're used to at Anfield.
“Jaap wanted to see Sepp being more ruthless and he told him to give it his all in training sessions as well.
“In the end he played a couple of games, but that was more because of several injuries than a reward for the progression he’d made.
“Jaap sees his talent, but has doubts whether Sepp is eager enough to pick things up.”
Van den Berg's exposure to first team football at such a young age – he has already played 20 senior matches – is credited to him displaying a maturity beyond his tender years but Inan reckons that like many youthful prospects he could benefit from more character-building.
He said: “His potential is huge. Sepp only turned 16 in December 2017 but just two months later he made his debut.
“He was the youngest player to reach 10 Eredivisie games and by the age of 17 he was already in the starting XI on a regular basis.
“He lost his place when Jaap Stam arrived but what makes him an exciting prospect as well is that he was promoted to the Netherlands U19s team where he also became one of the youngest players in the line-up.
“What makes him unique is that when you look at him, you wouldn’t believe he’s 17 because he looks so mature already.
“Of course, physically there’s still a lot for him to improve and I’m quite sure he’ll get stronger in England.
“He’s quite fast and quite comfortable with the ball at his feet as well. Mentally he should really improve. That is his weakest part.”
Given his nationality and position it's inevitable that Van den Berg will be measured against the likes of Virgil van Dijk, who he would join at Anfield, and of course the most high-profile of Dutch wonderkids right now, Matthijs de Ligt.
Inan acknowledges direct comparisons to such an illustrious pair do Van Den Berg – who is expected to command a fee of around £2million – a disservice but he believes that the move can prove to be a shrewd piece of business for Liverpool in the long term.
He said: “It’s unfair because they’re players of another level: they’re world class.
“De Ligt has been captaining his team at the age of 18 in the Champions League.
“Sepp was on the bench of the 13th placed club in Holland earlier this year.
“His advantage is that he can still allow himself to adjust and improve in English football over a couple of years.
“His father will help him acclimatise when the deal is done. Sepp is tall, quick and he’s smart.
“If he’s willing to suffer now as well (and I guess he has no choice under Jurgen Klopp) then he could accompany De Ligt into the Dutch squad one day.
“So the fee Liverpool is paying to PEC for Sepp, might seem like a loose change after two or three years. I think it’s a good investment.”
[/article]
He told the ECHO: “Jaap Stam came in as head coach in December and in January he put Sepp in the reserve team for a week just to trigger him to work harder, be more aggressive and give it his all.
“Stam talked several times with him, worked after training sessions one-on-one with Sepp, but the truth is that the teacher saw his student making just a little improvement.
“So the potential is there, but for Sepp it’s time to combine his talent with mental toughness and passion, just like they're used to at Anfield.
“Jaap wanted to see Sepp being more ruthless and he told him to give it his all in training sessions as well.
“In the end he played a couple of games, but that was more because of several injuries than a reward for the progression he’d made.
“Jaap sees his talent, but has doubts whether Sepp is eager enough to pick things up.”
Van den Berg's exposure to first team football at such a young age – he has already played 20 senior matches – is credited to him displaying a maturity beyond his tender years but Inan reckons that like many youthful prospects he could benefit from more character-building.
He said: “His potential is huge. Sepp only turned 16 in December 2017 but just two months later he made his debut.
“He was the youngest player to reach 10 Eredivisie games and by the age of 17 he was already in the starting XI on a regular basis.
“He lost his place when Jaap Stam arrived but what makes him an exciting prospect as well is that he was promoted to the Netherlands U19s team where he also became one of the youngest players in the line-up.
“What makes him unique is that when you look at him, you wouldn’t believe he’s 17 because he looks so mature already.
“Of course, physically there’s still a lot for him to improve and I’m quite sure he’ll get stronger in England.
“He’s quite fast and quite comfortable with the ball at his feet as well. Mentally he should really improve. That is his weakest part.”
Given his nationality and position it's inevitable that Van den Berg will be measured against the likes of Virgil van Dijk, who he would join at Anfield, and of course the most high-profile of Dutch wonderkids right now, Matthijs de Ligt.
Inan acknowledges direct comparisons to such an illustrious pair do Van Den Berg – who is expected to command a fee of around £2million – a disservice but he believes that the move can prove to be a shrewd piece of business for Liverpool in the long term.
He said: “It’s unfair because they’re players of another level: they’re world class.
“De Ligt has been captaining his team at the age of 18 in the Champions League.
“Sepp was on the bench of the 13th placed club in Holland earlier this year.
“His advantage is that he can still allow himself to adjust and improve in English football over a couple of years.
“His father will help him acclimatise when the deal is done. Sepp is tall, quick and he’s smart.
“If he’s willing to suffer now as well (and I guess he has no choice under Jurgen Klopp) then he could accompany De Ligt into the Dutch squad one day.
“So the fee Liverpool is paying to PEC for Sepp, might seem like a loose change after two or three years. I think it’s a good investment.”
[/article]
Unfortunately Hazard has heard the rumours about this guy joining and moved to another league. Anything to avoid being quelled.
So this is why "determination" is listed as a weakness on his Youtube scouting video!
Not sure but has @ctlovesred just done his driving theory test because it sounds like it.
Quantum physics in a footballing context.
We're quite short at the back after the release of Corey Whelan, Conor Masterson, Juanma and Patrik Raitanen, plus the U21 will be involved in the EFL Trophy. Would be good for him to be able to strike up some form of chemistry with the likes of Hoever too?
I thought Brits had sarcasm detectors installed at birth? I was of course joking about that horrible paragraph.
The biggest mistake anyone can make with Stam is to take his vastly over-inflated opinion of himself as gospel. He sank without trace as Reading manager just recently and I wouldn't trust him to judge the right way round to sit on the lavvy.
This is true, but Brits also have the genetic knowledge that Americans don't/won't/can't do sarcasm. Hence the responses .... 😉
Just been announced, official now.
https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/354756-sepp-van-den-berg-deal-agreed
https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/354756-sepp-van-den-berg-deal-agreed
Lets hope he turns out to be great.
Have to imagine it's tiered, 500k or so for each 50 appearances. Not a 3m or nothing.
What about Americans who hang out way too much on this dumpster fire of a Liverpool fan forum?
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