Arne Slot explains Milos Kerkez selection over Andy Robertson

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Arne Slot was asked about his continued faith in Milos Kerkez as first-choice left-back, avoiding the question as he instead explaining why his No. 6 has been “a bit unlucky.” Kerkez has been Slot’s preferred starter at left-back since his £40 million move from Bournemouth, but there has been outside scrutiny over that decision.

Questioned on what gives Kerkez the edge over Robertson, Slot turned the focus to why he feels his left-back has been “a bit unlucky” so far. “For me he’s been a bit unlucky that Cody has used mainly his biggest strength of coming inside and hitting the target, but we’ve shown Cody as well that there were a few moments that maybe playing the ball towards Milos would have been the better option.

“That’s why we brought him in and I think that’s a better answer to your question than starting to compare him with Robbo.” Gakpo to work on his partnership with Kerkez There has been a clear sense that Kerkez and Cody Gakpo are yet to truly find an understanding as Liverpool’s new left-sided pairing. But it negates Kerkez’s quality as an overlapping left-back, which has perhaps led to perceptions of his role being limited by Slot’s tactical approach.