Liverpool manager Arne Slot has finally spoken out about Milos Kerkez, the young Hungarian full-back who has come under fire after a shaky start to life at Anfield.
Ever since his much-hyped summer move from Bournemouth, Kerkez has faced the full glare of Premier League pressure. Once hailed as the future of Liverpool’s left flank — the energetic successor to club legend Andy Robertson — he now finds himself battling fierce criticism and mounting expectations from fans and pundits alike.
But Slot isn’t panicking. In fact, his public defence of the 21-year-old suggests something deeper: he believes Kerkez will come good — and that this difficult period is only part of his evolution into a Liverpool great.
KERKEZ UNDER FIRE — PRESSURE MOUNTS ON THE NEW MAN
Kerkez arrived at Anfield as one of the most exciting young full-backs in Europe. His attacking flair and relentless pace made him a star at Bournemouth, catching the eyes of Europe’s elite clubs.
When Liverpool secured his signature, it was seen as a statement move — a sign that the Reds were thinking long-term under their new boss, Arne Slot. Fans imagined a new-look left side, with Kerkez bombing forward to supply crosses for Darwin Núñez, Mohamed Salah, and Cody Gakpo.
However, the Premier League has a way of humbling even the most talented.
After a few shaky performances, most notably in Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United, criticism came thick and fast. Former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison didn’t hold back on Match of the Day, saying:
“It was probably one of the only Liverpool games I’ve watched and thought Van Dijk looked rattled. And it’s because he’s having to cover Milos Kerkez. He’s struggling right now and doesn’t look like he can carry that Liverpool shirt at the moment.”
For a young player still adapting to the intense spotlight of Anfield, those words cut deep. The scrutiny has only grown louder with fans on social media debating whether Andy Robertson, despite being past his prime, should be restored to the starting lineup.
SLOT DEFENDS HIS MAN — “HE’S DOING VERY WELL”
But Arne Slot isn’t listening to the noise.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Brentford, the Dutch tactician made it clear that he’s sticking by his player. Slot’s tone was calm but firm — a manager protecting one of his own.
“I don’t think that’s a place for me to say here, because then I have to say something about Robbo as well,” Slot said when asked about Kerkez’s starting position. “The reason why we brought him in, that I can tell you, is that he brings a lot of energy to the game. He keeps going up and down.”
Slot then praised Kerkez’s defensive attributes — a part of his game many fans have overlooked.
“He’s doing very well in defending the one-v-one situations against his wingers. Defensively, he’s solid. He also brings a lot of energy making the overlaps.”
These words might seem simple, but they carry weight. They show Slot sees Kerkez as more than a struggling signing — he sees potential. The kind of potential that only reveals itself when a manager is patient enough to let a young player grow through adversity.
THE ANDY ROBERTSON QUESTION — CHANGING OF THE GUARD?
Andy Robertson remains one of Liverpool’s most beloved modern-day players. His energy, leadership, and relentless engine made him one of the best left-backs in the world under Jurgen Klopp.
But as time has passed, age and injuries have slowed him down. The reality is that Robertson can’t cover the ground he once did. That’s exactly why Slot and Liverpool’s transfer team turned to Kerkez — a player in the mould of a modern attacking full-back who fits the system Slot is building.
Kerkez may not have Robertson’s chemistry with the forwards yet, but his profile fits Liverpool’s new high-tempo, overlapping style. Slot is clearly intent on giving him time to adapt rather than dropping him at the first sign of pressure.
LIVERPOOL FANS DIVIDED — FAITH OR FRUSTRATION?
Among Liverpool supporters, the debate is fierce. Some want Robertson reinstated immediately, arguing that experience should triumph over potential. Others see Kerkez as the future — someone who just needs patience and minutes to find his rhythm.
Social media has reflected that divide. Some fans have pointed out Kerkez’s aggressive positioning and relentless work rate, while others have criticized his defensive lapses and occasional poor decision-making in possession.
Slot, however, isn’t reading Twitter. He’s watching training. And what he sees there — energy, hunger, and resilience — has convinced him that Kerkez will soon prove his critics wrong.
WHAT COMES NEXT FOR KERKEZ AND LIVERPOOL
Liverpool’s next fixtures will be crucial for both player and club. With Brentford, West Ham, and Tottenham coming up, Kerkez will likely continue starting. Those matches will test his defensive maturity and attacking contribution under real pressure.
For Slot, the challenge is balancing player development with Liverpool’s title ambitions. The Reds can’t afford to keep dropping points, but Slot knows that rebuilding for the future sometimes requires short-term pain.
If Kerkez can find his confidence again — perhaps with a solid performance and an assist or two — the mood could quickly shift. Football has a short memory, and all it takes is one strong display to change the narrative.
Slot’s faith in Kerkez might just be the key to unlocking that turnaround.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Milos Kerkez’s story at Liverpool is still being written. The early chapters may be rough, but every great Anfield player has had to overcome moments of doubt.
Arne Slot’s decision to back his young full-back publicly sends a clear message: this is not a panic club anymore. Liverpool are thinking beyond one bad performance — they’re building a future.
And if Kerkez can channel the support of his manager, silence his critics, and rediscover the fire that made him one of Europe’s most exciting prospects, he might soon turn from target to triumph at Anfield.
For now, Slot’s message is simple: “Trust the process. Kerkez will rise.”
