Steve Nicol hits out at Milos Kerkez, saying the 21-year-old left-back “looks petrified” as the Reds suffer a fourth consecutive loss under Arne Slot.
Liverpool’s season has gone from bad to worse, and patience among supporters is beginning to wear thin.
A fourth consecutive defeat this time at the hands of bitter rivals Manchester United has left fans deeply concerned about where their team is heading under Arne Slot.
Losing to their fiercest rivals is damaging enough. But the manner of the 2-1 defeat at Anfield, sealed by a late Harry Maguire winner, has left serious questions about the players’ confidence and cohesion.
And according to former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol, there’s one player in particular who is looking completely out of his depth right now.
Milos Kerkez has been one of the most talked-about names since joining Liverpool from Bournemouth in the summer for £40 million.
At just 21 years old, the Hungarian left-back has been ever-present this season featuring in all 12 of Liverpool’s matches but his form has become a growing concern.
Kerkez endured another torrid afternoon against Manchester United, with both Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo targeting his flank relentlessly. United clearly identified Liverpool’s left side as a weakness, and they took full advantage.
Speaking on ESPN FC, Nicol didn’t hold back in his assessment of the youngster’s display.
“Kerkez at left-back just looks scared,” Nicol said.
“Everything he does is just negative every time he gets the ball he goes backwards and every time someone runs at him he looks petrified.
“As a unit, this Liverpool side just don’t play as one. They have not played as a team all season.”
It’s not the first time the former Scotland international has questioned the defender’s performances, and after weeks of criticism, it seems he’s finally had enough.
Arne Slot now faces a pivotal moment in his early Liverpool tenure. Four straight defeats and a mounting defensive crisis have left him searching for answers.
Kerkez’s struggles are part of a wider issue across the back line, with the Reds looking disjointed and fragile. The Hungarian’s difficulties adapting to the intensity and pressure of Liverpool’s system have been evident, and Nicol believes a spell out of the starting XI could do him some good.
The pressure on Kerkez’s shoulders is undeniable. Making the jump from Bournemouth to Liverpool from a mid-table side to a club fighting on multiple fronts is a huge leap for any player, especially one so young.
And while his talent is clear, the mental and tactical demands of being a Liverpool full-back under Slot’s pressing system are enormous.
Kerkez’s confidence appears shaken, and taking him out of the firing line might be the most sensible move for now.
Kerkez still has time on his side. At 21, he’s far from the finished article, and Liverpool’s coaching staff will know that patience is required.
A short spell on the sidelines could benefit both the player and the team allowing him to regroup, regain confidence, and learn by watching Andy Robertson, whose experience and composure could serve as the perfect reference point.
Liverpool have endured a brutal few weeks, but there’s no need for panic just yet. With time and guidance, Kerkez can develop into the player the club believed he could be when they spent £40 million to bring him to Anfield.
For now, though, a rest might be exactly what he needs.
The Reds return to action on Wednesday night when they travel to Germany to face Eintracht Frankfurt as their Champions League campaign resumes and all eyes will be on whether Arne Slot sticks or twists with his struggling young full-back.
