The van den Berg family produce some fine talent over in the Netherlands.
Sepp van den Berg made 23 appearances for his hometown club PEC Zwolle before a move to Liverpool. This season he has impressed during a loan spell with Preston North End, most recently whilst employed as a right-wing back. It seems both the fans and the player would be keen to see another loan deal agreed for next season.
Whilst Sepp was part of the Preston side who got their third win in a row with a 2-0 victory over Barnsley on Saturday, his younger brother was making his debut for PEC Zwolle.
Just like Sepp did as a 16-year-old, Rav van den Berg – who isn’t 17 until July – followed in his brother’s footsteps as he was handed a start against Vitesse Arnhem. Rav played as a right-back and is tipped to have a very bright future in the game.
Zwolle lost the game 2-1 but with their place already secured in Eredivisie for next season it provided an opportunity to give the younger van den Berg a taste of the action.
Liverpool pounced for Sepp just 18 months after his debut and have already been linked with Rav too, as have Ajax and PSV according to De Stentor.
Aged just 15 at the time, he chose to stick with Zwolle and sign a two-year deal with them. His first footsteps in professional football are only likely to increase interest in him. Who knows, if Liverpool do eventually get their man, Rav could move to Deepdale for a spell as well in the future.
Sepp has spoken of his love for Preston already and he may recommend it as a stepping stone for his brother too.
Speaking to Lancs Live recently he said he’d be happy to return for another loan spell next season if he is not given his chance with Liverpool. Preston fans would gladly welcome him back. He really seems to have grown with each game and clearly enjoys playing for the club.
With the recent run of clean sheets, his partnerships with the rest of the defence have obviously developed very well, and hopefully we see that continue next term.