Milos Kerkez has so far failed to fully nail down his spot as Liverpool’s starting left-back after struggling to adapt following his move from Bournemouth.
The Hungarian had been expected to largely take over regular duties from Andy Robertson, and while that has been the case at times, Kerkez has not completely convinced.
Robertson played once again in San Siro on Tuesday evening, putting in a solid performance which underlined his status as Liverpool‘s best left-back.
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Mohamed Salah warms up ahead of Liverpool's Premier League match against Leeds United at Elland Road (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Big decision for Arne Slot
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Kerkez has improved recently, but unexpected question marks have arisen over his suitability in the long-term.
After signing for Liverpool last summer, the 22-year-old named former Reds full-back John Arne Riise as his inspiration for taking the No. 6 shirt. Having had a hugely successful career at Anfield, Riise has now offered some advice to Kerkez on how to improve his game.
John Arne Riise instructs Milos Kerkez to cool down
Kerkez was effusive in his praise of Riise upon joining Liverpool, hailing both the Norwegian and Robertson as being personal heroes of his.
Speaking to FootItalia, Riise has revealed that he got in touch with the youngster to wish him the best, and shared how he can begin to properly adjust at Liverpool.
Milos Kerkez of Liverpool during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool at London Stadium
Photo by Izzy Poles – AMA/Getty Images
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“He took the No. 6 because I used to wear it, and so I texted him a few times after his move,” Riise said. “I wished him well and all that kind of thing.
“You know, he’s a very aggressive player that hasn’t really shown his best yet. The one thing I see is that everything with him happens at 100 miles an hour. Sprinting, running, everything is always at a high tempo.
“I think that sometimes he can just maybe relax his playing style,” adds the 45-year-old. “I know that is who he is, but it looks so stressful sometimes. You can tell that he really wants to do well all the time, which is good. But sometimes he can maybe take more time.
“He’s been good in some games, others he’s struggled in. But I expect him to be fine because he knows the English game, and hopefully he will be more of an attacking threat also in the upcoming games.”
Who do you think is winning Liverpool’s left-back battle and why?
Andy Robertson vs Milos Kerkez stats
Who would you pick?
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Is Kerkez in danger of losing his place permanently?
Anyone who has watched Kerkez closely for Liverpool this season will recognise Riise’s assessment of his game.
The former Bournemouth man can be rash, and in his desperation to succeed at Liverpool he has caused himself more problems.
Despite that, Arne Slot clearly still believes in Kerkez, as evidenced in him starting two of the Reds’ last three Premier League matches.
Still so young, it seems inconceivable that Slot or anyone at the club will write their new signing off without much more football under his belt.
Riise’s advice is good, and Kerkez should take it on board, but the signs that he is learning are there, and it would be a surprise if he does not now kick on from here.
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