Liverpool’s Left-Back Dilemma Deepens as Kerkez Struggles and Tsimikas Faces Criticism
Liverpool’s issues at left-back have come sharply into focus this season, with both Milos Kerkez and Kostas Tsimikas enduring difficult spells in their respective environments. What began as a calculated reshaping of the defensive unit under Arne Slot now risks becoming a long-term headache for sporting director Richard Hughes.
Tsimikas’ Loan Gamble Failing to Pay Off
Kostas Tsimikas’s decision to leave Liverpool on loan to AS Roma in the summer was designed to reignite his career. After slipping down the pecking order at Anfield, the Greek international opted for a temporary switch rather than a permanent exit, hoping regular football in Serie A would revitalise his form.
However, that gamble appears to be backfiring. Tsimikas was handed a rare start for Roma against Sassuolo last weekend, only to be withdrawn at half-time after a disappointing display. Italian outlet Il Romanista criticised the defender’s energy levels, branding his performance “lazy”, while Siamo la Roma questioned his reliability within the side.
Roma had been expected to give Tsimikas a platform to rebuild his confidence, yet he now faces uncertainty about his role in the squad. Unless his form improves dramatically, a January recall could become a realistic option for Liverpool — though that would present its own complications.
Kerkez Failing to Convince as Successor
Meanwhile, Milos Kerkez, the player signed to succeed Andy Robertson, has endured his own teething problems. Arriving from Bournemouth for a sizeable fee, the young Hungarian was tipped to become a key figure in Liverpool’s defensive rebuild. Yet his performances have lacked the composure and assurance required at this level.
Kerkez has been handed regular starts ahead of Robertson this season, but the data suggests the team performs better when the Scottish full-back is involved. Robertson’s influence, both defensively and in build-up play, remains evident despite his reduced role. Still, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, Liverpool’s long-term succession plan is under scrutiny.
Kerkez has the potential to become a mainstay, yet adapting to Liverpool’s tactical demands under Slot appears to be a steep learning curve. Patience will be essential, but the short-term consequences could prove costly in a campaign where consistency is already proving elusive.
Robertson’s Future Adds to Uncertainty
For all his professionalism and leadership, Andy Robertson’s situation is also unresolved. Entering the final months of his contract, the 30-year-old faces an uncertain future. There is admiration for his work ethic and influence, but Liverpool’s hierarchy must decide whether to offer an extension or commit fully to Kerkez’s development.
Should Robertson depart in 2026, Liverpool could find themselves relying on an unproven Kerkez and an unsettled Tsimikas — a concerning scenario for a club with title ambitions.
Hughes Faces Key Decision on Left-Back Strategy
Richard Hughes, alongside Arne Slot, must now assess the balance of experience and potential within the left-back position. Tsimikas’s struggles in Italy and Kerkez’s inconsistency have exposed a gap that Liverpool cannot afford to ignore.
The January window could offer an opportunity to realign strategy — whether that means recalling Tsimikas, accelerating Kerkez’s adaptation, or exploring external options. What is clear is that Liverpool’s defensive stability on the left flank has rarely looked more fragile.
For a team seeking to build a sustainable new era under Slot, the solution at left-back could define much of the club’s short-term progress and long-term identity.
