"Conquer my spot" - Liverpool loanee on fighting for a first team place next season

Liverpool's 20-year-old centre-back, Sepp van den Berg, has said that he wants to break into the first team next season.

Speaking to Voetbal Primeur, as cited by Sport Witness, Van den Berg said that his dream is to play alongside his countryman Virgil van Dijk.

“The intention is that I participate in the preparation and then conquer my spot in the dressing room,” Sepp said.

“At the same time, I know that the competition is cut-throat. This summer, I will fight for a place in the starting line-up.

“That’s what I hope for; that’s what I dream of (playing with Van Dijk). That’s my goal towards next season. The World Cup can help me with that.

“It will be a long and tough season. A lot of guys will leave or be away temporarily. Then maybe you get the chance to stay just a little bit earlier. I must then see to take that.”

Anfield Watch Verdict

Sepp's first full season on loan has been a massive success. His time at Preston North End has shown that he is more than good enough to be a squad player for the Reds.

Unfortunately for the Dutchman, we currently have a surplus of unbelievable centre-backs. With Virg, Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate playing the majority of the games this season, it has meant that the highly-rated Joe Gomez has had to play back-up.

Sadly for the Englishman, Matip and Ibou haven't picked up any injuries, resulting in Gomez only managing to play 20 games this season, the majority of them coming off the bench to play right-back.

The only way I can see Sepp joining the first-team squad next season is if Liverpool were to sell Joe this summer.

However, thanks to Van den Berg's young age, even if he was to go on loan next season, ideally to a Premier League club, he still has many years ahead of him to break into Jurgen Klopp's defence.