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Liverpool have completed the signing of teenage Dutch centre-back Sepp van den Berg from PEC Zwolle in a £1.3m deal that could rise to £4.4m with add-ons.
Van den Berg joins on a long-term contract with the deal due to be completed on July 1 once Fifa’s international clearance window opens.
The defender was hotly pursued by a number of European clubs, including Ajax, PSV and Sampdoria, however, Liverpool have won the race to his signature.
“It’s just an amazing feeling,” Van den Berg told Liverpool’s official website.
“It is, for me, the biggest club in the world and it’s a dream come true. I am really excited.
Show all 24 1 /24Liverpool 2018-19 player ratings Liverpool 2018-19 player ratings Liverpool 2018-19 player ratings How did we rate Liverpool's players and Jurgen Klopp during the 2018-19 campaign?
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Liverpool 2018-19 player ratings Alisson Becker - 8/10 A few nervous moments here and his cavalier approach tempts fate slightly too often, but the £65m signing from Roma has been a marked upgrade on his predecessors.
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Liverpool 2018-19 player ratings Simon Mignolet - 6/10 Played just twice, in two domestic cup defeats, but Mignolet has been an exemplary dressing room influence despite a year spent in Alisson’s shadow.
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Liverpool 2018-19 player ratings Trent Alexander-Arnold - 9/10 His 13 assists from right-back set a new record for a defender in Premier League history. Still just 20-years-old, yet already one of the world’s best in his position.
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Liverpool 2018-19 player ratings Virgil van Dijk - 9.5/10 The PFA Player of the Year was a deserving winner, having barely had an off day since August. His transformative effect on Liverpool’s defence cannot be underestimated.
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Liverpool 2018-19 player ratings Joe Gomez - 7/10 Excellent in the first half of the campaign as Van Dijk’s partner in central defence, unfortunate to then break his leg and miss much of the remainder.
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Liverpool 2018-19 player ratings Dejan Lovren - 6/10 Never disgraced himself but injury and the form of others have demoted Lovren from Liverpool’s second-choice centre-back to their fourth.
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Liverpool 2018-19 player ratings Joel Matip - 8/10 Stepped in to partner Van Dijk in the second half of the campaign and defied his critics. His performance in the win over Barcelona was particularly good.
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Liverpool 2018-19 player ratings Andrew Robertson - 9/10 The best full-back in the Premier League over the last 18 months. His work rate, delivery and sheer tenacity are exceptional.
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Liverpool 2018-19 player ratings Alberto Moreno - 4/10 Little more than cover for Robertson, he stepped in on occasion without causing chaos. Will leave Anfield when his contract expires this summer.
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Liverpool 2018-19 player ratings Fabinho - 8/10 Took time to adapt to Klopp’s style and the rigours of English football but now appears right at home. His snarling display against Barcelona was a highlight.
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Liverpool 2018-19 player ratings Naby Keita - 6/10 A qualified disappointment. Not yet lived up to great expectations, but there have been enough moments of promise to suggest he will have a better second season.
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Liverpool 2018-19 player ratings Jordan Henderson - 8/10 The much-maligned captain has shown why he has the trust of many at Anfield. More effective when he was moved out of holding midfield and further forward during the run-in.
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Liverpool 2018-19 player ratings James Milner - 7/10 33-years-old, yet shows few signs of fading out. A player for the big moments, he was excellent in the victory over Paris Saint-Germain.
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Liverpool 2018-19 player ratings Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - N/A Limited to only two appearances due to the serious knee injury which was supposed to prevent him from playing a single minute this season. Will hope to stay fit next year.
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Liverpool 2018-19 player ratings Georginio Wijnaldum - 8/10 Quietly excellent, keeping Liverpool’s midfield ticking over and winning possession back when required. Chipped in with big goals against Cardiff and Barcelona.
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Liverpool 2018-19 player ratings Adam Lallana - 4/10 Most certainly on the fringes now after two seasons without consistent playing time. Impressed in some cameos, not in others.
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Liverpool 2018-19 player ratings Xherdan Shaqiri - 6/10 Appeared to be an ideal impact substitute in the first half of the campaign, but his form tailed off and then so did the first-team opportunities. Origi now seems to be preferred.
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Liverpool 2018-19 player ratings Sadio Mané - 9/10 The finest season of career to date. Stepped into Salah’s shoes when the Egyptian’s scoring dipped, ensuring Liverpool’s front-line lost very little potency.
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Liverpool 2018-19 player ratings Mohamed Salah - 8/10 It was always going to be difficult to match last year, but Salah came close. 26 goals and 13 assists in all competitions is a brilliant return.
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Liverpool 2018-19 player ratings Roberto Firmino - 8/10 Another who did not always reach the heights of last year but still the finest practitioner of the ‘false nine’ role in the Premier League.
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Liverpool 2018-19 player ratings Divock Origi - 8/10 Only played 21 times, only scored seven times but made an impact that will save his Anfield career. Goals against Everton, Barcelona and Newcastle were all huge.
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Liverpool 2018-19 player ratings Daniel Sturridge - 6/10 On his way out this summer, and performances later in the season showed why, but enjoyed a excellent September and scored that brilliant, late equaliser at Chelsea.
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Liverpool 2018-19 player ratings Jurgen Klopp - 9/10 Made the most of the resources at his disposal, recorded a huge points total, yet fell just short of the title.
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“I’ve seen what kind of players from the Academy grew into the first team here. It is unbelievable, especially when this kind of big club does that.
“Of course, the trainer [Jurgen Klopp] is a great guy and one of the reasons they are successful – and also one of the reasons I came here.
“I think this is the best place for me to grow and hopefully play a lot of games here.”
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