Expert: Milos Kerkez faces extended spell on Liverpool sidelines
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(Credit: Imago, Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
Callum O'Connell
Tue 16 September 2025 8:30, UK
Milos Kerkez faces an extended spell out of Liverpool starting XI after he was substituted off before half-time against Burnley.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 21-year-old could struggle to reclaim his place from Andy Robertson.
Liverpool won 1-0 at Turf Moor thanks to a strike from Mohammed Salah after Hannibal Mejbri gave away a late penalty which cost Burnley a point.
However, Kerkez ended up as the game’s main talking point after Arne Slot withdrew him after just 38 minutes to prevent his side going down to 10 men.
Having initially been booked for a clear act of simulation, Kerkez avoided a second yellow card after hauling down Jaidon Anthony with Burnley on the counter attack.
Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media
Brown told Football Insider in December that Kerkez is seen as the long-term replacement for Robertson as Liverpool plotted a move to sign the ex-Bournemouth left-back.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted the Hungary international has a battle on his hands to earn his place.
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“Kerkez is going to struggle to get back into the team now,” he told Football Insider.
“The manager made that decision to take him off during the first half, and it was probably the right one because he was at risk of getting sent off.
“But if you’re putting the manager in a position where he has to make that call, he’s not going to be happy with your performance.
“Robertson would be the first-choice left-back for the majority of clubs in the Premier League, and he’ll be keen to make his mark and come back into the starting XI.
Credit: Imago
“I thought when Kerkez was going to Liverpool that he would be a top-class replacement for him.
“By no means is he a bad player, he’s obviously top quality and they rate him highly at Liverpool, but this is what you need at top clubs in the modern game.
“Players need to know that if they make a mistake or they’re not up to scratch, there’s somebody waiting in the wings to replace them, it’s a bit of healthy competition.
“So I expect Kerkez could drop out of the team with Robertson coming in, and then it will be a battle for him to earn his place back in the starting XI.”
With Liverpool set to compete across four competitions this season, both left-backs will be allowed to battle for their place and provide an alternative to their teammate.
Having replaced Kerkez during Liverpool’s victory, Robertson is aiming to secure his place in the starting XI and put together a string of impressive displays.
Robertson had been tipped to start against Burnley following his performances for Scotland during the international break, but Kerkez was chosen in his place.
Now, the left-back will be determined to keep hold of his place in the team after he insisted: “I do want to play games and be the starting left-back… He [Kerkez] will be the starting left-back for Liverpool in the future and it’s up to me to push him this season.” [Mail]
Credit: Imago
Jamie Carragher praised Slot for his decision against Burnley, with many recognising that it was the correct decision to make given the circumstances.
Liverpool fans were also impressed by Slot’s “ruthless” call, and it has now sparked a battle between the club’s two options to fill one place int the side.
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