Arne Slot told Liverpool player ‘not fit to carry the shirt’ must be axed vs Frankfurt
Arne Slot has some selection dilemma’s ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Frankfurt as the Reds look to stop their losing streak.
Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Man United at Anfield made it four successive defeats in all competitions for the Reds.
Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Fulham means Liverpool are four points behind the league leaders, despite having won their opening five matches.
Wayne Rooney believes complacency is hurting Liverpool after their Premier League title win by 10 points last season.
Milos Kerkez must be dropped
Milos Kerkez was slammed by Liverpool fans against Man United, and the 21-year-old has endured tough time on Merseyside since his summer arrival from Bournemouth.
As per BBC Sport, [20 October], Clinton Morrison believes Slot now needs to take Kerkez out of the firing line.
“It was probably one of the only Liverpool games [v Man United] that I’ve watched and thought Van Dijk looked rattled, especially in the first half,” Morrison said.
“It’s because he is having to cover Milos Kerkez, who I think right now has to come out of the team. He is struggling and does not look like he can carry that Liverpool shirt at the moment.
“Amad [Diallo] and Mbeumo were causing him a lot of problems down that side.
“It was actually Konate who was bailing Van Dijk out, which doesn’t happen often. He was the best defender for Liverpool in this game.”
Andy Robertson has come in for Kerkez on a couple of occasions this season, but slot has kept his faith with the Hungarian international.
Kerkez needs to be integrated into Liverpool team
Robertson has been a huge part of Liverpool’s recent success, but Slot has decided to drop the Scotland international down the pecking order in preference of Kerkez.
Kerkez impressed at Bournemouth with his high energy and ability to join the attack and create chances from the left flank.
| Minutes Played | 603 |
| Duels Won % | 61.1% |
| Aerial Duels Won % | 58.3% |
| Tackles | 11 |
| Interceptions | 4 |
| Recoveries | 25 |
Whilst Kerkez continues to get forward at Liverpool, the defender is seeing less of the ball in forward areas and is being caught out defensively on transition.
Slot has other defensive worries to sort, but bringing in the experienced Robertson may be a sensible start.