Rav van den Berg: The Impressive Middlesbrough and Dutch Defender
Rav van den Berg is the reigning Middlesbrough’s Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season, which underscores his growth and development in his young career.
He is one of the best young footballers, born in 2004, alongside the likes of Jhon Solis, Plamen Andreev, Garnacho, Hugo Larsson, Jorrel Hato and Khalaili. Van den Berg has set the English Championship alight with his performances for Middlesbrough. Join us as we explore the career so far of Rav van den Berg.
Player Profile – Rav van den Berg
Rav van den Berg is a promising Dutch footballer known for his versatility and composure on the field. Born in Zwolle, Netherlands, he began his football journey in the youth academy of PEC Zwolle, where his talent quickly gained recognition. At just 15, he was invited to the club’s first-team training camp, marking him as a rising star.
In May 2021, Van den Berg made his senior debut for PEC Zwolle in the Eredivisie at the age of 16, showcasing his ability to handle high-pressure situations.
His performances earned him a move to Middlesbrough FC in July 2023, where he signed a four-year contract. He made his debut in the EFL Cup against Huddersfield Town and scored his first goal for the club in a 4–0 victory over Preston North End in November 2023.
Notably, Rav was named Middlesbrough’s Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season for 2023/24, highlighting his impact at the club.
Player Profile Overview
|        Player Name           | Rav van den Berg |
| Date of Birth | 7 July 2004 |
| Place of Birth | Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Zwolle, Netherlands |
| Height | 1.90 m |
| Weight | 176 pounds |
| Nationality | Dutch |
| Current Club | Middlesbrough |
| Position | Centreback |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Youth Career | PEC Zwolle Netherlands U15 Netherlands U16 Netherlands U18 Netherlands U19 Netherlands U20 Netherlands U21 |
| Senior Career | PEC Zwolle Middlesbrough |
| Achievements and Recognitions | 2023-24 Middlesbrough Player of the Season 2023-24 Middlesbrough Young Player of the Season |
Rav van den Berg’s Early Life and Background
In March 2019, at just 14 years old, he was linked with potential transfers to prominent Dutch clubs Ajax and PSV, highlighting his early promise.
By January 2020, at 15, he was included in PEC Zwolle’s first-team training camp in Spain, reflecting the club’s recognition of his talent.
On May 25, 2020, van den Berg signed his first professional contract with PEC Zwolle, committing to the club until mid-2022. This contract commenced on his 16th birthday, July 7, 2020.
Notably, Rav is the younger brother of Sepp van den Berg, a defender contracted to Liverpool FC, indicating a family deeply rooted in professional football.
Rav van den Berg’s Playing Style and Strength
Rav van den Berg is primarily a center-back, he has also effectively operated as a right-back, showcasing his flexibility across the backline.
His playing style is characterized by a combination of physical prowess and technical proficiency. Van den Berg utilizes his strength and pace to outmuscle opponents and recover possession efficiently.
His significant upper-body strength allows him to win the ball back by outmuscling players, and he often uses his body to block attackers and intercept the ball.
In addition to his defensive capabilities, van den Berg is comfortable in possession, often initiating plays from the back with precise passing.
His ability to carry the ball forward and distribute accurately makes him a valuable asset in building attacks. Moreover, his aerial dominance, attributed to his height and timing, poses a threat during set-pieces.
Rav van den Berg’s Club Career
Van den Berg started his career at PEC Zwolle after progressing through their youth academy. In March 2019, at just 14 years old, he was linked with transfers to Ajax and PSV, highlighting his early potential.
By January 2020, he was included in the first-team training camp in Spain at the age of 15. In May 2020, he signed a two-year contract with PEC Zwolle.
He made his first-team debut on May 1, 2021, starting in a 2–1 Eredivisie defeat to SBV Vitesse at 16 years and 298 days old.
Moving to the United Kingdom with Middlesbrough
On July 6, 2023, van den Berg signed a four-year contract with Middlesbrough FC. He made his debut against Huddersfield Town in the EFL Cup, contributing to a 3–2 victory.
Rav van den Berg scored his first goal for the club on November 28, 2023, in a 4–0 win against Preston North End. At the end of the 2023–24 season, van den Berg was honored as Middlesbrough’s Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season, underscoring his impactful performances.
Rav van den Berg’s International Career
Rav van den Berg has made significant strides in his international career, representing the Netherlands across various youth levels.
From his early days in the youth ranks to his recent exploits with the Netherlands U21 team, Rav’s journey showcases his development as one of the country’s most promising defenders.
Early International Beginnings
Rav’s international career began with the Netherlands U15 team, where his talent as a composed and intelligent defender first came to light.
He quickly progressed through the ranks, earning caps for the Netherlands U16, U18, and U19 teams. At every stage, he demonstrated his ability to adapt and excel, solidifying his position as a key player in the Dutch youth setup.
Notable Achievements with the Netherlands U21 Team
In 2024, Rav made his mark with the Netherlands U21 team, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star. His standout moment came in October 2024, when he scored his first goal for the U21s in a convincing 3-0 victory against Sweden.
This performance not only highlighted his ability to contribute defensively but also his knack for stepping up in crucial moments
Player Comparison
Rav van den Berg has been compared to Manchester City’s John Stones for his composure, ball-playing ability, and versatility in defense.
Additionally, his physical presence and aerial prowess have drawn comparisons to Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk. These parallels highlight his potential to evolve into a top-class defender.
Conclusion
While Rav van den Berg’s career is still in its early stages, his journey so far is a testament to hard work and talent. As he continues to develop at MIddlesbrough, the Dutch defender remains one to watch for both club and country.
With every match, Rav gains invaluable experience, solidifying his place in the footballing world. His story is not only about individual progress but also about resilience and determination to succeed at the highest levels of the game.
References
Middlesbrough FC
