Liverpool 0-3 Crystal Palace: Match Review
Liverpool are aiming to arrest a run of four Premier League defeats and Arne Slot may turn to experience.
It’s a decision that has had Kopites talking for several weeks.
And when Liverpool face Aston Villa in the Premier League, it seems that many will finally get their wish.
In truth, there were few supporters complaining when Kerkez was signed for £40 million. He arrived against the backdrop of a fine season at the Cherries as he recorded two goals and six assists, which earned him a spot in the PFA Team of the Year.
Early struggles
But Kerkez has endured a soft launch to his Liverpool career. So far, what he displayed on the south coast has not been on show on Merseyside. The former AC Milan full-back delivered strong performances in wins over Arsenal and Everton. But he has struggled in the rest of his outings - most recently in last weekend’s 3-2 loss against Brentford. Although he scored, Kerkez’s overall contributions left a lot to be desired.
With Liverpool suffered four successive defeats in the Premier League and their chances of defending the title hanging by a thread, at best, Slot must make changes. He requires added experience.
In fairness to Kerkez, it is easy to forget how young he is because he’s spent two years in the Premier League. The Hungary international is only aged 21 and is the junior of Conor Bradley.
To be frank, it has been a surprise that Kerkez immediately took over the mantle from Robertson. Plenty thought that the vice-captain would start as first choice, they would share the role because Kerkez eventually made himself first choice once he settled. In truth, it would be unfair to continue with him against Villa. He required a period where he can learn and slowly adapt.
Hint dropped
The fact that Kerkez was the only player from the Brentford loss to start in the 3-0 Carabao Cup loss was a hint. Slot opted to rest the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Mo Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai completely. And another suggestion Kerkez will be among the substitutes against Villa is that he played the entire 90 minutes against Palace, while Robertson was substituted after 67 minutes.
In addition, the Scotland skipper operated as one of three centre-backs rather than on the left flank, so would have done less running. Slot has seemingly had some concerns about Robertson playing twice in a week so far this season, having been benched after the 5-1 triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt.
Liverpool’s vice-captain is no fool. He is acutely aware that a long-term successor is needed aged 31. But he by no means feels he’s finished from the top level. Far from it. Robertson will have a point to prove if he indeed makes his first league start of the campaign. A strong performance and it will be his berth to lose for the foreseeable future.
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