Arne Slot has praised Milos Kerkez for his progression at Liverpool, and his explanation of why the Hungarian started over Andy Robertson at Marseille hints at why the Scot is linked to a transfer.
In the wake of the unexpected news that Liverpool are in talks with Tottenham over a deal for Robertson this month, Slot’s comments over Kerkez’s progression have taken on extra pertinence.
Liverpool’s new left-back quickly assumed the role as Slot’s first choice, but the head coach has typically sought to help Kerkez’s adjustment period by breaking up his run of starts.
Robertson has, therefore, been more readily used in the League Cup, FA Cup and Champions League to afford Kerkez a break while he assimilated to his new demands at Liverpool.
But on the eve of the trip to Bournemouth, Slot explained that Kerkez is getting “stronger and stronger,” so his playing load can start to increase, which Robertson will be aware of.
“If you talk about Milos and a lot of the signings we’ve made, you can see the progression they are making in terms of adjustment to the team, but definitely also in power,” Slot explained.
“And for Milos, [it] doesn’t happen many times that he plays on the weekend and also during the week.
“I think a few times I’ve played Robbo during the week, but Milos is getting stronger and stronger and stronger, in my opinion.
“He plays better and better and better. So it was a moment to give him that game during the week as well, and he did really well, in my opinion in Marseille, and he’s improving, which is normal.
Milos Kerkez vs. Andy Robertson: 2025/26 Appearances (Starts)
Competition Milos Kerkez Andy Robertson
Premier League 21 (18) 13 (4)
Champions League 5 (3) 4 (4)
League Cup 2 (1) 2 (2)
FA Cup 0 (0) 1 (1)
Other (Comm. Shield) 1 (1) 1 (0)
TOTALS 29 (23) 21 (11)
“I just got the question, from Sky Sports about the signings, and I told them, if you look at the age of our signing, they will not only be better the second half of the season, they will be better next season, and they will be better the season afterwards, and the season afterwards.
“That is also the way this club is run; we sign young players where we think there is a lot of room for development, although they are already really good.
“He’s improving, but not only him, all young players do, and we have to make sure that the players that are a bit of an older level stay at their elite level.”
How Milos Kerkez affects Andy Robertson’s future
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - Sunday, September 14, 2025: Liverpool's Milos Kerkez is replaced by substitute Andy Robertson during the FA Premier League match between Burnley FC and Liverpool FC at Turf Moor. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Slot’s comments were said prior to news of the talks between Liverpool and Tottenham, but it will not have been lost on Robertson that his minutes could reduce further with Kerkez’s growth.
The vice-captain’s contract expires at the end of the season, and while he admitted he would like to stay at the club, there are other things he has to consider.
“Would I like to stay? Yes, but it’s a difficult question to ask,” the Scot said when speaking about his future this month.
“I’ve got five months left and we need to see the option to stay or if there’s options to go and things like that.
“I’ll sit down with my family and decide. After a stressful summer, I’m just trying to enjoy being a part of it, and being a Liverpool player.
“I wanted to qualify for the World Cup and, thankfully, we’ve managed to do that. I need to see what myself and my family wants moving forward.”
Tottenham would offer the left-back the minutes he seeks, but Liverpool would be losing an important presence in the dressing room and a versatile option who can assist at centre-back if needed.