Thomas Frank described van den Berg’s signing as a’statement’ ahead of his imminent return to Liverpool.

During his pre-Liverpool news conference, Brentford’s head coach discussed the club’s newest signing, his abilities, and what the club looks for in a centre-back.

 

According to Thomas Frank, Brentford made a “statement” by convincing Sepp van den Berg to join them over German double champions and Europa League finalist Bayer Leverkusen.

On Thursday, the 22-year-old signed a five-year contract with Liverpool for a cost of £20 million plus £5 million in add-ons. The deal contains a 17.5% sell-on clause.

Van den Berg drew interest from Bundesliga runners-up Stuttgart after a successful loan at Mainz last season, when he was a key player.

He participated in 33 of their 34 league games under three different head coaches, proving to be a notable performer in a team that battled for the majority of the season before a quick upturn in form after February secured their top-flight status.

Frank sees the centre-back as a “great player with an even bigger potential” and believes the club’s ability to get him despite fierce competition is a demonstration of their commitment.

“I heard rumors about Leverkusen,” he said.

“If it is true, it means that players choose to come to us over major teams.

“We know that we are interesting because we have a fantastic environment, we have a good team, we are a good club, and we are growing so [I am] very happy that he wants to join the ride and the journey, and we are looking forward to having him in the squad.”

Thriving at the Back and Attack

There’s a solid reason why the west London club pushed to get him, perhaps making him their most expensive centre-back signing ever.

Frank praised him as a player that “ticked a lot of boxes”: poise and serenity on the ball, smart decision making, an imposing aerial presence, and a top speed of 34.78 km/h in the Bundesliga last season.

Van den Berg helped Mainz win the second most aerial duels in the German top-flight last season (806) with 5.42 per 90 minutes. This puts him in the 99th percentile among Bundesliga center-backs during the 2023/24 season, according to FBref.

He also performed well in the website’s algorithm in the same category for clearances per 90 (5.04 – 87th percentile) and blocks per 90 (2.09 – 97th percentile). He appears to have a profile that will fit in nicely with Brentford’s style of play.

Mainz’s center-back scored three goals, including a header against Champions League finalist Borussia Dortmund and a rebound in a 3-1 victory over Wolfsburg in May.

Brentford’s centre-backs have scored a Premier League-high 20 goals since promotion in 2021, according to manager Frank.

Last season, Van den Berg scored more goals than Nathan Collins (2), Ethan Pinnock (2), Ben Mee (2), Kristof Ajer (1), and Mathias Jorgensen (1). This suggests that his aerial presence might provide a new dimension to the assault.

Frank confesses that, unlike other positions, there is no defined aim for his center-backs to attain. However, the club analyzes this trait while investigating fresh prospects in that position.

“You need to get a certain amount of goals out of your squad or your team,” the forward told VAVEL.

“Of course, you always want the front two or front three to score a lot of goals, but can you get one, two, three, four, or five from a centre-back?It’s invaluable and great.

“Everyone knows that we are fantastic at set-pieces, so when we focus on them, we need someone who can really header the ball into the back of the net, and that is one of Sepp’s strengths.

“He’s good at it, and I believe he can go much further.”He has good potential and timing.”

Transfer fees reflect both ability and potential.

Brentford signed Van den Berg for a significant fee, making him the club’s second acquisition from their opponents this weekend.

The Bees signed 21-year-old Fabio Carvalho for a reported £22 million, which may go to £27 million with add-ons. This makes him the club’s second most expensive acquisition, trailing only £31 million Igor Thiago’s cost.

This summer, they spent £73 million on three players aged 23 and under, excluding add-ons. This amount is anticipated to climb with the arrival of 18-year-old Gustavo Nunes from Gremio.

Some questioned how much Liverpool was receiving for the two, despite them making a combined 25 appearances, with the Merseyside club profiting handsomely on their initial expenditures.

VAVEL questioned the head coach if transfer costs now reflect a player’s potential, rather than their current skill.

“It depends on the age,” he responded.

“Let’s say Sepp and Fabio are two young players who have already done well; however, Fabio hasn’t played much in the previous two years, so that’s probably based on promise.

“Sepp has greater playing time, although it’s likely due to his potential.

“It seems clubs are buying younger and younger, and it’s getting more and more expensive.”

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