Michael Owen Questions Liverpool’s Faith in Kerkez After Wolves Setback

Liverpool left Molineux with more questions than answers after a dramatic late defeat to Wolves, and one former Anfield striker has already turned the spotlight on a £40 million signing struggling to settle into life on Merseyside.

Michael Owen did not hold back in his assessment of Milos Kerkez following Liverpool’s 2–1 loss, suggesting the young left-back currently looks overwhelmed by the demands of playing for one of England’s biggest clubs. The criticism arrives at a delicate point in the season, with Liverpool fighting to remain in the Premier League’s top four.

Liverpool defeat raises fresh questions

Liverpool appeared to be heading for a point after Mohamed Salah dragged the visitors level late in the match. Wolves had taken the lead earlier through Rodrigo Gomes, but Salah’s strike with seven minutes remaining seemed to rescue something from a frustrating evening.

Instead, Wolves snatched victory in injury time when Andre’s deflected effort slipped past the Liverpool defence, leaving Slot’s side stunned.

The defeat leaves Liverpool fifth in the Premier League table and vulnerable to slipping further down should rivals capitalise in upcoming fixtures. More worrying than the result itself, however, is the sense that several key positions are in flux.

Michael Owen, speaking after the game, suggested the club’s defensive reshuffle has weakened Liverpool compared to previous seasons.

“I’m just not convinced about one or two of the players,” Owen said. “Full-backs you’ve gone from Trent and Robertson, possibly the best combination of full-back the Premier League has seen for a long, long time.”

It is a stark reminder of how influential Liverpool’s previous defensive structure once was.

Michael Owen criticism aimed at Kerkez

Most of Owen’s attention was reserved for Kerkez, the £40 million signing brought in from Bournemouth last summer. While the Hungarian defender impressed at his previous club, the former Liverpool forward believes the step up has exposed cracks in his composure.

“I can’t warm to Kerkez, I’m afraid,” Owen said. “He looks like a bag of nerves, he looks like he doesn’t want the ball, he looks like he’s an emotional defender, he’s playing like this all the time, it’s like, ‘calm down, man’.”

Owen continued by describing a player seemingly paralysed by pressure.

“You’re in possession of the ball a lot of the time, just relax. It’s like he’s in a trance constantly.”

Such remarks underline a concern that Liverpool’s current back line lacks the authority and assurance once provided by Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Defensive transition affecting Liverpool

Kerkez’s struggles do not exist in isolation. Liverpool have undergone significant changes across the pitch, and Owen believes the collective shift has weakened the side.

“Straight away in four places Liverpool are weaker, much weaker, than last season,” he said.

He pointed to several factors: ageing stars, key departures and injury issues affecting potential replacements. Owen even suggested that Liverpool may have moved away from Robertson too quickly.

“I think they pensioned off Andy Robertson a little bit too soon. I think he should still be playing now.”

In Owen’s view, Liverpool’s current transition has removed several pillars that once made them formidable.

The departure of key wide players and the ongoing search for stability at full-back have created a team still searching for its identity.

Pressure of Liverpool shirt proving challenge

Kerkez may yet adapt, but Owen believes the pressure of representing Liverpool can overwhelm players who thrived at smaller clubs.

“Liverpool is a different kettle of fish to Bournemouth,” Owen said. “You’ve got to be able to manage pressure, all the eyes are on you.”

That observation captures a fundamental truth about life at Anfield. Success is not just about technical ability; it requires the temperament to handle scrutiny, expectation and relentless intensity.

Owen acknowledged Kerkez could improve over time, but for now his advice to Slot is straightforward.

“At the moment I’m sticking Andy Robertson straight back in.”

Whether Slot agrees remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Liverpool’s defensive debate is only just beginning, and Kerkez now finds himself firmly at the centre of it.

Original reporting referenced from Metro’s coverage of Michael Owen’s comments on Liverpool and Milos Kerkez.