Brentford’s Rising Star: Sepp van den Berg
Sepp van den Berg, the Dutch center-back who currently plays for Brentford, has recently opened up about his career journey, particularly his departure from Liverpool and his aspirations to return to the club. In an interview with Dutch outlet VoetbalPrimeur, Van den Berg shared his mixed feelings about leaving Anfield last summer, a move that was driven by his desire for regular playing time. Despite the impressive title charge by Liverpool this season, Van den Berg remains hopeful about a potential return to the Reds. "I would be lying if I said I don’t dream of returning to Liverpool one day. That is still on my mind," he admitted. However, he emphasized that his current focus is on his development at Brentford, where he has found the playing time and exposure he craved.
The Decision to Leave Liverpool
Van den Berg’s decision to leave Liverpool was not taken lightly. He had several conversations with Arne Slot, the head coach at Feyenoord, before the start of the preseason, but ultimately, he informed the club that he wanted more minutes on the field. "I had a few conversations with Arne Slot, but before preseason started, I had already told the club I wanted to leave and play more minutes," he explained. Liverpool had shown interest in keeping him, acknowledging his solid performance and potential, but Van den Berg felt that staying as a backup was not the best path for his career. "Liverpool said I had done well and they wanted me to stay, but I didn’t really see that happening for myself. It was all my choice," he said. The Red’s defensive injuries this season, with only Virgil van Dijk remaining fit, have made Van den Berg wonder if he could have played a bigger role. "I would be lying if I said I didn’t look at that," he admitted. "I did well in preseason and really saw myself playing for the club."
Thriving at Brentford
Since joining Brentford, Van den Berg has become a crucial part of Thomas Frank’s squad, starting 24 games this season and playing a vital role in the team’s push for European qualification. At 23 years old, he has taken significant strides in his development, both on and off the pitch. "At Brentford, I am a starter when fit. At Liverpool, I would have been more of a backup. I would rather be a starter," he stated. This consistent playing time has been crucial for his growth and confidence. Despite an unfortunate knee injury that has sidelined him recently, Van den Berg remains dedicated to his current club. He is set to miss Brentford’s upcoming match against Everton due to the injury, which he sustained in a 1-0 win over West Ham. However, his commitment to the team and his positive outlook on his future at Brentford are unmistakable.
The Dream of Returning to Liverpool
Despite his current success at Brentford, the dream of returning to Liverpool remains a significant aspiration for Van den Berg. "Who knows? If I do well here for two or three years, I might return to Liverpool and be a starter there too," he said. This sentiment reflects his ambition and the belief in his own abilities. The Dutch center-back’s journey from Anfield to Brentford and the potential of a future return to Liverpool is a testament to his determination and resilience. His time at Brentford is serving as a crucial stepping stone in his career, providing the experience and playing time that he needed to grow as a player.
The Impact of Injuries on Liverpool’s Defensive Line
One of the factors that have made Van den Berg contemplate his decision to leave Liverpool is the club’s ongoing defensive injuries. Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate, and Jarell Quansah have all missed significant time, leaving Virgil van Dijk as the only consistent player in the backline. This situation has highlighted the importance of depth and adaptability in the defensive department. Van den Berg’s potential return to Liverpool could provide the club with a valuable and experienced option, especially if he continues to excel at Brentford. His familiarity with the club and the Premier League could make him a perfect fit for Jurgen Klopp’s squad in the future.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
Sepp van den Berg’s journey from Liverpool to Brentford and the possibility of a future return to Anfield is a compelling narrative of a player’s growth and ambition. His decision to leave Liverpool was driven by a desire for regular playing time, which he has found at Brentford. Despite the current setback of a knee injury, his positive attitude and dedication to his craft are evident. The dream of returning to Liverpool as a starter remains a motivating factor, and his performance at Brentford is likely to play a significant role in whether that dream becomes a reality. For now, Van den Berg is focused on his recovery and contributing to Brentford’s success, but the future holds many possibilities for this talented Dutch center-back.
