SEPP VAN DEN Berg admits that he considered talk of interest from Liverpool to be “a joke” before seeing a £1.3 million move to Anfield wrapped up.
The 17-year-old Dutch defender has become the latest addition to Jurgen Klopp’s ranks on Merseyside.
A player of immense potential, he has been acquired with one eye on the future.
Van den Berg is looking forward to taking on that challenge with the Reds, with the last few weeks having been something of a dream for the highly-rated youngster.
Quizzed by Liverpool’s official website on what a move to the current holders of the Champions League crown means, he said: “Can I put it into words? It’s just amazing. It is, for me, the biggest club in the world and it’s a dream come true. I am really excited.”
He added on the transfer talk which built quickly to this point: “I couldn’t believe it, I thought it was a joke.
I was really happy and, to be honest, I was a little bit scared at first, because such a big club had interest in me. So, I was a little bit scared but eventually I was really excited.”
Van den Berg believes that he boasts the qualities to be a success at a Premier League giant.
He said of his attributes: “I am a centre-half, I am calm with the ball, I am quite quick and can run, but I came here especially to improve myself more.
I think this is the best place for me to grow and hopefully play a lot of games here.”
There will be plenty of familiar faces at Anfield to help Van den Berg settle.
Netherlands internationals Georginio Wijnaldum and Virgil van Dijk are established members of the fold, with the latter having helped to convince a new arrival that Liverpool is the best place for him.
“I was thinking about [the idea of] training with Virgil. For me, he is the best defender in the world right now, so I can learn a lot from him,” said Van den Berg.
Van Dijk is already well on his way to becoming an all-time great at Liverpool, and that is a standing that Van den Berg intends to enjoy at some point further down the line.
He said of his ambitions in England: “Longer term, I hope I can play as much as possible here for the club.
“Short term, [my target is] to be with the first team, develop myself, grow into the team and see how it goes.
“Long term, I really want to be a legend here.”
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Cos we got Salah… Oh mane mane!!
@Ciarán: For now you have Salah.
The only debate is which big club he will go to in the summer, like every other player that shows some ability at Liverpool.
It’s ok though, iv made a song for his replacement:
We’ve got Boufal, MAYBE Mane, no one wants Firmino.
@Eoin Finnega: jaysus that’s a shite song.
@Eoin Finnega: I dont care if he goes or not Im enjoying the moment, Try it!! My support is not built around idolising footballers.
Two games in a row now Karius has made great saves to keep LFC ahead. Those of us who had seen something in him to recommend are feeling pretty good about now… Let’s hope he keeps it up, because he’s slowly winning the remaining doubters over.
@James Doyle: I imagine Klopp has told him to put in the performances til the end of the season to make him not have to sign another keeper. Literally playing for his anfield career
@Declan Snow: He told him he was number one and he wanted him to prove he made the right choice.
@Declan Snow: think myself playing behind VvD has made all the difference. From his debut, Van Dijk has been encouraging Karius to make the area his own. For a young goalie, that must make a huge difference, having a centre half who talks to you and trusts you to take care of things behind him. He’s always had talent, but he just looks more at home now.
@James Doyle: Ye he certainly looks more confident. When we signed him he was apparently the 2nd best keeper in Germany. Having a big talker infront of him has to help. He just needs to come off his line a bit quicker and be more decisive around that and he’ll be there or there abouts a top keeper.
@James Doyle: high opinion of yourself there James if you think it‘s you playing behind VvD that‘s the difference. I‘ve never even noticed you on the pitch.
@PJ Connolly: hur hur. But as the sort of guy who delights in pointing out similar errors in others, I have to give you kudos. Smart assery is always welcome.
Exciting times at Liverpool would love see klopp and Liverpool win the league next season. Still Have great chance in champions league
Salah for top goalscorer
@Jordo: Kane will nick it luckily
It’s such a strange feeling as a Liverpool fan to see our keeper make a save like that (Karius has quietly been excellent for weeks now). We’ve been so used to having a poor standard of keeper for a long time now. Van Dijk is an incredible addition to the squad and I won’t hear otherwise, and with Karius stepping up, Liverpool have really really steadied the ship at the back. A few more midfield additions and we are so, so close.
@Laura Walsh: what about the ox, he’s coming into his own in a big way too the last few games. He has a fair few assists now too!
@Hardly Normal: absolutely love Ox. Just one of those lads that you really want to do well cause he seems so sound. So happy he’s playing well! Say he’s delighted he left the sinking ship.
Good win.great save by Karius in 1st half.onwards and upwards.Salah is a legend.Goes to show how well liverpool are playing when theres a slight sense of dissapointment when they only win by 2.
Salah top scorer shhhhh. This team is on route to becoming one of Liverpools greatest. Y.N.W.A.
@England’s Envy: huge similarities between your posts and the Anto Whelan pretend Dub troll.
Class again top 4 in the bag now finish 2nd and get a run in Europe