Arne Slot has explained why he continues to back Milos Kerkez as Liverpool’s first-choice left-back despite growing calls for Andy Robertson’s return.
Liverpool supporters have seen only flashes of what Milos Kerkez might eventually offer since his £40 million arrival from Bournemouth this summer.
The Hungarian full-back, named in last season’s PFA Team of the Year after a breakout campaign on the south coast, arrived with the weight of expectation that inevitably accompanies such a fee particularly when his predecessor, Andy Robertson, proved to be one of the club’s greatest bargains of the modern era.
At just 21, Kerkez was never going to be the finished article. Yet the scrutiny has been fierce. His energetic, adventurous style has not always translated smoothly into Arne Slot’s system, and some uneven performances have led to questions over whether the manager’s faith is justified.
Nevertheless, Slot has shown little inclination to waver. The Dutchman has installed Kerkez as his first-choice left-back, even with Robertson fit and available a significant statement, given the Scot’s long-standing influence and consistency.
Asked directly what has given Kerkez “the edge” over Robertson ahead of Saturday’s trip to Brentford, Slot chose not to frame his answer as a comparison. Instead, he explained why he was so keen to bring the young defender to Anfield in the first place.
“The reason why we brought him is that he’s bringing a lot of energy to the game, keeps going up and down, he’s very good in defending one v one against his wingers as well,” Slot said. “Defensively solid and a lot of energy making the overlaps.”
It’s that combination of endurance and defensive focus that Slot feels suits the demands of his side. Kerkez’s front-foot aggression mirrors much of what the manager wants from his full-backs — intensity, recovery pace, and the ability to shut down wide threats.
But even Slot admits that things haven’t quite clicked in the attacking third yet. The Dutchman pointed to the evolving relationship between Kerkez and Cody Gakpo on the left flank as a factor in that adjustment period.
“For me he’s [Kerkez] been a bit unlucky in that Cody has used mainly his biggest strength of coming inside and hitting the target,” Slot explained. “But we’ve shown Cody that there were a few moments where playing the ball to Milos would have been a better option.
“So, again an example of two players playing together that need to find their connection even better than they already do. But that’s why we brought him in.”
It’s a telling insight into Slot’s thinking. Gakpo’s instinct to drift inside onto his stronger right foot something that has already yielded several goals this season naturally narrows the pitch on that side. In doing so, it can restrict the space for Kerkez to attack the outside lane, a channel that was once the trademark of Robertson’s devastating overlaps alongside Sadio Mané.
Slot’s comments suggest an awareness of that imbalance, and an effort to recalibrate the partnership. There have even been tactical sessions focused on encouraging Gakpo to release Kerkez earlier in attacking transitions, allowing the full-back to deliver from advanced areas.
In other words, Slot’s faith is not simply about backing a player it’s about building a partnership.
And while Robertson’s recent performance against Eintracht Frankfurt underlined why many still view him as the steadier hand, the manager’s long-term vision appears to hinge on Kerkez’s development.
At Bournemouth, the Hungarian thrived in Andoni Iraola’s intense, transition-heavy system, bombing forward and defending in large spaces the type of player Slot’s positional play can refine rather than reinvent.
For now, though, patience will be key. Kerkez has been heavily criticised after several of his early showings, but he remains one of the youngest starting full-backs in the Premier League. His adaptation to the pace, pressure, and precision of Liverpool’s game will take time.
Slot’s decision to persist reflects a wider theme of his early tenure: evolution over revolution. Just as Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch have been given extended runs to grow into their roles, so too has Kerkez been trusted to learn through experience rather than rotation.
Robertson, who once had to wait months behind Alberto Moreno before cementing his place, knows better than most how gradual these transitions can be. And perhaps that perspective, too, is part of why Slot feels comfortable holding his nerve.
Kerkez will almost certainly start again at Brentford. There will be more scrutiny, more comparisons, and more moments of inexperience. But if Slot’s words are anything to go by, there’s also conviction that in time, Liverpool will see the player they thought they were buying.
“He’s been a bit unlucky,” Slot said, almost protectively. “But that’s why we brought him in.”
In other words: the faith remains.
