Under Pressure: Milos Kerkez Struggles to Carry Liverpool’s Expectations Amid Team’s Slump
Milos Kerkez arrived at Liverpool from Bournemouth with big expectations after being named in the Premier League Team of the Season. Signed for £40 million, the 21-year-old Hungarian left-back was seen as the long-term solution to strengthen Arne Slot’s defense. Below we will explain other interesting football news on The Football Breakdown.
However, just a few months into his Anfield career, things haven’t gone to plan. Kerkez has started all eight Premier League games so far but completed the full 90 minutes in only five. His defensive lapses have forced Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate to cover more ground, especially during high-pressure matches. Against Manchester United, he struggled to deal with Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo, leaving the defense vulnerable.
Fans and pundits alike are beginning to question whether Kerkez is ready for the responsibility that comes with wearing the famous red shirt. His lack of confidence and hesitation in decision-making have made him an easy target for criticism.
“Can’t Carry the Shirt” Harsh Words from Pundits
Former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison didn’t hold back after Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United, claiming that Kerkez “can’t carry that Liverpool shirt right now.” Speaking on BBC’s Football Daily Podcast, Morrison said Van Dijk looked unusually “rattled” because he had to constantly cover for Kerkez’s mistakes on the left flank.
“It’s probably the first time I’ve seen Van Dijk look uncomfortable,” Morrison said. “Kerkez was caught out of position several times, and it was Konate who had to bail him out. That shouldn’t happen at Liverpool.”
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Shearer: “He’s Caught in Two Minds”
Alan Shearer also offered his assessment earlier in the season, suggesting that Kerkez’s main issue is indecision. “At Bournemouth, he played freely and attacked with confidence,” Shearer said on NBC Sports. “Now, he looks unsure whether to push forward or stay back to support Van Dijk and Konate.”
This hesitation has disrupted Liverpool’s rhythm on the left-hand side. Instead of providing width and attacking support, Kerkez often finds himself caught in awkward positions, neither defending strongly nor contributing effectively in attack.
For a player once praised for his fearlessness, this uncertainty is a worrying sign. It highlights how much mental and tactical adjustment is needed when stepping up from a mid-table club to one competing for major honors.
Liverpool’s Form Raises Bigger Questions
Kerkez isn’t the only Liverpool player struggling to find consistency. The team’s overall form has dipped dramatically after a bright start to the season. Following seven straight wins, Slot’s side has now lost four consecutive games against Crystal Palace, Galatasaray, Chelsea, and Manchester United.
Yet despite the investment, the team looks unbalanced and short of confidence. For the young Hungarian, the challenge now is clear to prove that he can handle the weight of the Liverpool shirt and rise above the criticism. Follow footballtipsonline.co.uk for weekly deep dives into football’s biggest stories.
