“Just look at my shoulders”: Liverpool gem claims he has gained 10kg in muscle since loan exit

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Sepp van den Berg has been speaking about his time away from Liverpool as he gains valuable experience during loan spells.

The Dutchman – a £1.3m signing from PEC Zwolle in 2019 – made 50 appearances in all competitions during a very productive stint at Preston last season, before he joined Schalke 04 on loan for the 2022/23 campaign.

Van den Berg – who has already made three Bundesliga appearances this season – has now revealed what he has gained from his time away.

Sepp van den Berg developing well away from Liverpool

Playing 50 games of senior football in one season is fantastic for the Dutchman, and it is sure to have developed his footballing ability significantly after also spending the 2020/21 campaign on loan at Preston.

However, when speaking to Soccer Niuews, Van den Berg was keen to point out just how much he has developed from a physical aspect as well.

The 20-year-old said: “At Preston North End, I did get to gain a lot of experience. Just look at my shoulders. I gained ten kilos just in muscle mass, but another year in the Championship really wasn’t my preference.”

Some Liverpool fans certainly seemed to notice a change in Van den Berg during his time at Deepdale, as some were quick to point out that he looked a lot quicker since departing Anfield on loan.

Sepp van den Berg in line for Liverpool chance

In our view, Van den Berg isn’t far away from becoming a more important member of the first-team under Jürgen Klopp if he continues developing at this rate.

The Dutchman is clearly growing in stature both mentally and physically, so if he proves himself at Schalke 04 this season, the 2023/24 campaign could present him with an opportunity on Merseyside.

Interestingly, Klopp didn’t actually want to loan Van den Berg out to Preston for a second spell, although a chat with Virgil van Dijk ended with the centre-back returning to Deepdale.

On that evidence, Klopp is clearly a big fan of the Netherlands Under-21 international, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see him make an impact at Anfield next season.