Liverpool defender Milos Kerkez has faced criticism for performances this season following his summer move from Bournemouth
Former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise has shared his views on Milos Kerkez’s start to life at Liverpool following his move in the summer.
The Hungary international joined the Reds from Premier League rivals Bournemouth back in June for a fee in the region of £40million. This term, the 22-year-old has featured in 22 games across all competitions and scored one goal in that time.
Kerkez arrived as the long-term successor to Andy Robertson, who was named vice-captain in the summer following the exit of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid. Robertson, now 31, is in the final year of his deal at Anfield and it remains to be seen whether he extends his stay beyond the current campaign.
There has been plenty of discussion around Liverpool’s summer business, not least because they set a new record for the amount spent by one club in a single window. Of course, those figures do not factor in net spend, as the Reds also offloaded a number of players and raised significant funds through player sales.
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Still, expectations on the new arrivals from fans, the wider media and the football world as a whole have been high. Kerkez, in particular, has been on the receiving end of some criticism for his performances, with some questioning whether he was ready to take on the mantle from Robertson so soon.
Riise, who made just shy of 350 appearances for the Reds at left-back during his playing days, has delivered his verdict on Kerkez’s time at the club so far. He believes the offensive side of his game is something Kerkez could work on, while also insisting the club were right to bring in a younger profile as part of their succession planning for Robertson.
“It’s a tricky situation because I like Kerkez,” Riise explained in an interview with Casinostugan. “He has offensive nature, sharpness, and wide play, but everything is 100 miles per hour.
“Robertson has the experience and calmness to know how to play. Kerkez has struggled in some games with his decision-making with the ball, his runs, and everything.
“One-against-one, he’s sharp, he’s quick, and all that kind of stuff, but I think the offensive part is where he hasn’t been at his 100% best. However, I like the situation with Robertson and Kerkez because it’s a big challenge for both of them and it keeps them on their toes.”
Liverpool’s left-back overhaul in the summer also involved Kostas Tsimikas departing on loan to join Serie A giants Roma. In comparison with Kerkez’s minutes, Robertson has made 17 appearances across all competitions, but has started just three Premier League games.
When Arne Slot’s side were in the depths of their torrid form, which has plagued the season so far, many questioned why Robertson was not playing more, given the glaring need for leadership, particularly in the backline. Riise, however, does not believe the changes have come too soon and feels it is right that older players have younger faces pushing them for a starting place.
“I think it’s right to sign younger players. Tsimikas also left, so we didn’t really have any left-back competition,” the former Norway international continued. “Even though Robertson has kept his level, he’s not getting any younger.
“He needs younger players to come in, to challenge, to give competition for Robertson and see if Robertson can keep going. I think that’s fair, but I do feel that Robertson should have played more games this season because Kerkez has not been at his best.
“Slot has given him chances to get into the team, but I don’t think it’s a disrespect because that’s how we do it. But at the same time, Robertson has proved already this season that he’s still there.”
