Liverpool U23s boss Neil Critchley has issued an update on new signings Sepp van den Berg and Harvey Elliot, after their first month at the club.
In a nutshell, the youngsters’ manager said the centre half is a calming presence while the winger was lauded for his intelligence.
Critchley didn’t just praise the lads, mind. He did say that they’ve got some homework to with, with Sepp lacking in communication skills and Elliott still needing to adapt.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, the boss issued fans an update on the starlets. “He has an assurance about his play and gives off an air of calmness at the back,” he said said of van den Berg.
“Being vocal is something he can improve upon but I think that will come with the familiarity of being around the group and the players a little bit more – he’s new to the group but he will gain more confidence to do that.”
I’ve had the pleasure of watching a few of the youngsters’ fixtures this season, and while the overall performances haven’t been convincing, Sepp certainly has come across as a cool-headed character.
Sepp van den Berg is a calming presence in defence. He's such a mature player for his age.
— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) August 19, 2019
Moving on to Elliott, the boss said that the winger is intelligent and determined. “He’s learning how to play the position – which is maybe slightly different to what he’s been asked to do before – but he’s very intelligent and picks things up quickly.
“I thought his attitude and work ethic in the game, especially when we were losing, was really good – he never gives up and gives everything he’s got.”
The duo are certainly going to need to spend more time with the U23s, before Jurgen Klopp selects them for the senior side.
That being said, the German does like to offer youth players a chance so maybe we’ll see one – or both – of them when we visit MK Dons in a few weeks.