Liverpool’s Winning Run Continues but Alan Shearer Challenges Kerkez

Liverpool’s perfect start to the Premier League season remains intact after a hard-fought 2-1 derby win over Everton, but Alan Shearer has warned that not every player has reached top form yet. The former Newcastle United striker, speaking on NBC Sports, singled out summer signing Milos Kerkez for scrutiny despite the victory.

Kerkez Under Spotlight

Shearer was measured but clear in his verdict on the Hungarian international. “Well, at the minute we’re not seeing the same player in Kerkez, particularly the left-hand side as we saw with Bournemouth,” said Shearer. “He was free-flowing. He had the license to go and roam and get forward. Here, to me it seems as if he’s caught in two minds whether he’s going to go, whether he’s going to stay and help protect that with Van Dijk and Konate.”

Kerkez was withdrawn early in last week’s clash with Burnley, a decision that raised questions about his adaptation under Arne Slot. The 21-year-old responded with a more disciplined performance against Everton, helping secure a vital three points thanks to goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike.

Liverpool’s flawless start means pressure is amplified on those still finding their feet. With elite competition for places, new arrivals have limited time to settle before expectations demand consistency.

Ekitike’s Form Creates Selection Puzzle

Shearer also touched on the forward line, noting the competition between Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak for the number nine role. “It’s not a bad option, is it?” Shearer remarked. “If I was Ekitike, there’s no way I’d be thinking I deserve to be left out this side with the form that I’m in, the goals that I’m scoring. He can’t leave him out. He has to play him. So Isak will have to be patient.”

Ekitike’s five goal contributions since arriving from Frankfurt have given Slot a striking conundrum, particularly with Isak arriving for a British-record £125 million. For now, Ekitike’s form makes him undroppable, but the depth up front is a major asset for a side fighting on multiple fronts.

Slot’s Early-Season Balancing Act

Arne Slot has made an immediate impact since arriving at Anfield, guiding Liverpool to a flawless start and creating renewed belief that back-to-back Premier League titles are possible. Yet Shearer’s comments underline the importance of ironing out early inconsistencies.

Kerkez, still only 21, has the physical profile and attacking quality to become a key figure for Liverpool, but adapting to the demands of Slot’s structured system will take time. The left-back position is pivotal in Liverpool’s build-up play, and his role alongside Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté must strike the right balance between attacking freedom and defensive discipline.

Focus Turns to Carabao Cup

Liverpool now shift attention to the Carabao Cup tie with Southampton, a fixture where Slot is expected to rotate heavily. It could be another opportunity for Kerkez to settle into the side and for fringe players to stake a claim before the Reds return to league duty against Crystal Palace.