Journalist: £40m Liverpool star ‘needs to calm down’ | OneFootball

Milos Kerkez and Liverpool’s Left-Back Dilemma

Liverpool’s defence of their Premier League title has hit turbulence under Arne Slot, with five defeats in six games putting pressure on both the manager and several key players. One player finding himself under the microscope is Milos Kerkez, whose £40m summer move from Bournemouth was supposed to provide youthful energy and balance to the left side of Liverpool’s defence. Yet, as journalist David Lynch discussed with Dave Davis for Anfield Index, the Hungarian has endured a difficult few weeks that have prompted growing criticism from fans.

Struggles at Brentford Highlight Confidence Issues

In the 3-2 defeat to Brentford, Kerkez endured what Lynch described as his most troubling outing since arriving at Anfield. “That was easily his poorest performance by far. It was complete panic stations every time he got the ball.” The sense of unease was clear to anyone watching, as his passing and decision-making faltered under pressure.

“He was so poor with the ball at his feet. So many simple passes were misplaced.” For a player valued as highly as Kerkez, such moments stand out sharply in a team built around precision and tempo. While Liverpool’s tactical setup under Slot demands confidence and technical control, Kerkez appeared overwhelmed, as if the pace and expectation of the game had momentarily escaped him.

Tactical Shifts and Mental Fatigue

Lynch observed that positional tweaks may also be influencing the young full-back’s form. “I don’t think they used Kerkez as deep as they have been, but he still looked very comfortable.” The phrasing perhaps points to a broader tactical adjustment by Slot, who has rotated systems frequently during this testing spell. The challenge for Kerkez lies in adapting quickly while maintaining composure and consistency.

“It speaks to his form and if his heads not there.” That simple observation strikes at the heart of his current struggle. For a 21-year-old operating in one of Europe’s most demanding environments, confidence is everything. When the rhythm is lost, even the most basic plays can feel heavy. “It feels like a form issue and Robertson is a bit more comfortable on the ball.” Andy Robertson’s injury recovery has perhaps intensified the spotlight, as fans remember the assurance the Scottish captain brings to Liverpool’s build-up play.

Photo: IMAGO

Need for Calm and Patience

“I think Kerkez just needs to calm down a little bit and I wonder if some of the talk about his form is getting to him.” Lynch’s assessment reflects the broader sentiment around the club. The scrutiny of a £40m transfer can weigh heavily, particularly in a team expected to dominate possession and attack relentlessly. What Kerkez needs most is stability, both mentally and tactically, to rediscover the confidence that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after young defenders.

“But he has also had very good games this season, so he does have it in him.” That final note offers perspective. Liverpool’s recruitment team saw long-term value in Kerkez for a reason. His early-season displays hinted at a dynamic, fearless player capable of thriving under Slot’s progressive system. If the current storm is merely a dip in form, patience from both manager and fans could be key in restoring his trajectory.

Liverpool’s left-back situation may currently symbolise their wider struggles, but as the campaign continues, Slot’s handling of Kerkez could prove pivotal in whether the Reds steady themselves and regain their rhythm.