Michael Owen is more than a little concerned about one of Liverpool's players, and has warned Andoni Iraola he has problems with four of the options in his squad
Milos Kerkez of Liverpool during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atletico de Madrid
Milos Kerkez has been receiving mixed reviews since joining Liverpool(Image: (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images))
Michael Owen feels Milos Kerkez looks “lost” at Liverpool, and has warned Andoni Iraola he faces a major problem with his other full-back options.
Both the right and left-hand sides of the Reds’ defense have changed dramatically over the past year or so. Trent Alexander-Arnold left the club last year to join Real Madrid, while Andy Robertson departed earlier this year as his contract expired.
Their replacements have struggled to find their feet so far. Kerkez arrived during the summer window of 2025 and endured a mixed first season at Anfield, despite already having Premier League experience from his time at Bournemouth.
More questions have been raised about the Hungary international after a shaky start under new boss Iraola, who he played under with the Cherries. He’s not the only one having a hard time adjusting to life with the Reds, though.
Jeremie Frimpong also arrived last year, but suffered from injuries during his first campaign and has not convinced when he has been able to get onto the pitch. Barcelona loanee Ronald Araujo has been preferred to the Dutchman at right-back in recent games.
Meanwhile, Conor Bradley’s injury problems continue, with the Northern Ireland international not expected back until at least November after a serious knee issue suffered against Arsenal back in January, and Kostas Tsimikas failed to strengthen his case at left-back with a rusty performance against Fulham, in which he was substituted at half-time.
TNT Sports pundit Michael Owen during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool on March 06, 2026, in Wolverhampton, England.
Michael Owen thinks the full-back position is a serious problem at Liverpool(Image: Getty)
Liverpool decided not to bolster its options at full-back during the most recent window, but former Reds striker Owen has suggested that may have been a mistake.
“The full-back position is a real problem for Liverpool and it pains me to say that,” Owen told TeamTalk.
“A handful of years ago they had the best full-backs in the world, in Trent and Robbo, it was just unbelievable, the numbers they were posting and how well they were playing.
“It was a really strong position and all of a sudden it has been ripped up and it is a real problem.
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“I do like Conor Bradley but his injury record is there for all to see and Frimpong doesn’t appear to be a defender, he looks more an advanced player.
“Tsimikas is not good enough to start every week and Kerkez has struggled since being there. He looks nervous and lost in the red shirt and it looks heavy on him. I think the two full-backs are a problem.”
Liverpool.com says: Liverpool is going to face a big decision over its fullbacks soon. If Kerkez is still struggling come January, then it may seriously need to consider signing a new left-back.
Araujo has looked solid on the right, and hopefully, Bradley can stay fit when he does eventually return. Given his history with injuries, that does seem to be a big ask, and you’d have to think a right-back might also end up being on the shopping list soon.