Andoni Iraola needs more from Milos Kerkez, but the Liverpool left-back has come in for some unnecessarily harsh criticism over the course of the first few weeks of the season
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola.
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola.(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside via Getty Images)
Danny Murphy said he was Liverpool's biggest problem, alongside Jeremie Frimpong, while Andy Gray suggested that the Reds might be "too big" a club for the 23-year-old.
Andoni Iraola, though, remains a big fan of Milos Kerkez, who was withdrawn against Atletico Madrid with cramp in the Champions League on Wednesday. The chances are, he will be a starter again when Fulham comes to Anfield three days later.
Kerkez is undoubtedly yet to fully realize his potential since signing for Liverpool from Bournemouth for a fee of around $54 million (£40 million), but he has come under fire an excessive amount in the opening few matches of the new season.
At all times, there appears to be a need for there to be a scapegoat, and Kerkez seems to be that man right now.
"I think Milos played really well the other day (against Ipswich)," Iraola insisted ahead of Liverpool hosting Atletico Madrid.
"I know him very well and what he can achieve. He still has big potential and he has good amount of experience in the Premier League and international team.
Milos Kerkez of Liverpool is challenged by Abdul Fatawu of Ipswich.
Milos Kerkez of Liverpool is challenged by Abdul Fatawu of Ipswich.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
"I trust him. He has a lot to improve, like all the players, otherwise there is no bigger ceiling. I am ready to try to help him to become a better player."
Of course, Iraola was not going to speak about Kerkez in the same way that some on social media do, but he is right to believe that the Hungary international has higher levels still to reach.
In the season before he joined Liverpool, playing under Iraola, no less, Kerkez made the Premier League Team of the Year at the age of 21.
Much of that was down to his relentless running up and down the left flank, where he was a creative force.
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But while he has not shown much in the way of attacking intent in recent Liverpool fixtures, that is actually no bad thing.
Indeed, as Ronald Araujo has shown on the opposite flank, being more solid at the back and leaving the attacking to those who are stationed further forward can aid the balance of the team.
Kerkez has not shown everything that Liverpool expected so far, but his demise has been greatly exaggerated. Over the next few months, he will be tasked with proving his true worth.