Liverpool maintain faith in Milos Kerkez despite early struggles
Liverpool have no plans to move for a new left-back in the upcoming transfer windows, despite recent speculation surrounding Milos Kerkez’s future. Reports suggesting the club may already regret their £40 million investment in the Hungarian international have been firmly dismissed by sources close to the Anfield hierarchy.
Kerkez’s early challenges under Slot
Kerkez’s move to Liverpool from Bournemouth last summer was viewed as part of a long-term succession plan for Andy Robertson. At just 21, he was identified as a player with strong attacking instincts, positional awareness, and the potential to develop into one of Europe’s finest full-backs.
However, the transition to life at Anfield has not been seamless. Liverpool’s inconsistent start to the season — leaving them seven points adrift of leaders Arsenal — has magnified scrutiny on individual performances. Kerkez has found himself under particular pressure, with questions raised about his readiness to handle both the tactical and emotional demands of Premier League football at a club of Liverpool’s stature.
On Saturday, Arne Slot opted to start Robertson in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa, a decision that brought stability to the backline and immediate comparisons between the two players. Supporters noted the composure and experience Robertson provided on the left flank, leaving Kerkez’s place in the starting eleven uncertain for the weeks ahead.
No panic in the transfer strategy
Despite criticism from sections of the fanbase, Liverpool remain calm about Kerkez’s progress. The club’s recruitment strategy under Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards is focused on long-term development rather than short-term reaction.
A senior source familiar with the situation confirmed that no move for a replacement is being considered, adding that the current squad was assembled with the intention of navigating the full campaign without major January additions. The view inside the club is that Kerkez needs time to adapt, not replacing.
“Liverpool’s transfer policy has always been built on patience and belief in the players they sign,” the source said. “Kerkez was identified as one for the future, and there’s still full confidence in his ability to fulfil that promise.”
Van Dijk’s leadership under the microscope
Much of the recent discussion has centred on the dynamics within Liverpool’s defence. Critics have accused captain Virgil van Dijk of being too demonstrative towards younger teammates, with pundit Craig Burley claiming his on-field gestures could have affected Kerkez’s confidence.
“You can see Kerkez struggling, and Van Dijk’s body language hasn’t helped him,” Burley told ESPN. “A young player needs reassurance, not public criticism. Confidence is key at this level.”
While such claims have sparked debate, those inside the Liverpool camp insist the relationship between the two players remains strong. Van Dijk is understood to have taken an active role in mentoring Kerkez, and staff at Kirkby believe his guidance will prove invaluable as the defender adjusts to Liverpool’s system.
Perspective and patience in Liverpool’s rebuild
It’s worth remembering that Robertson himself experienced a slow start after arriving from Hull City in 2017. He spent months learning Jürgen Klopp’s system before establishing himself as one of Europe’s top full-backs.
Kerkez’s situation bears striking similarities — a young player arriving with expectation, under pressure to perform immediately in a high-demand environment. At 21, with his 22nd birthday approaching in November, there is confidence that he will improve once he settles fully into Slot’s tactical demands.
Liverpool’s staff are urging patience, pointing to the defender’s underlying metrics that suggest steady growth despite visible errors. The long-term plan remains unchanged: Kerkez is viewed as a successor, not a short-term fix.
As the Reds aim to regain consistency in the coming months, Slot will continue balancing experience with youth. For Kerkez, the challenge is to turn early adversity into learning — a test that could define not only his Liverpool career but his development as one of Europe’s brightest defensive prospects.
