Liverpool loanee scores critical goal for Schalke in first game after six-month injury

On-loan at Schalke, the Dutch centre-back has been out of action for almost seven months, but was thrown back into the mix in a crucial relegation match against Werder Bremen.

Advertisement

Bundesliga strugglers Schalke found themselves 1-0 down after conceding early, and with the two sides above them both avoiding defeat, things were looking bleak.

However, manager Thomas Reis took a slightly bizarre roll of the dice with 13 minutes to play, bringing on Liverpool's Van den Berg with his team in desperate need of a goal.

Advertisement

The 21-year-old had only previously scored professionally in the second tier while on loan at Preston, but you wouldn't have known as he rushed towards a clearance on the edge of the box.

Swinging his left foot at the ball, it hit the back of the net, and the lofty 6ft 4in defender reeled off in wild celebration.

Things got even better in stoppage time too, with Uruguayan Rodrigo Zalazar picking out Dominick Drexler with a sublime pass to win the match in stoppage time.

The three points provided a huge lifeline to the German giants, who could now manage to stave off a relegation that previously looked inevitable.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Van den Berg had only made four appearances for Schalke before a long-term ankle injury, and he only managed 10 touches against Bremen, but the one that hit the net may have made it all worth it.