Biggest Milos Kerkez misconception is exactly why Liverpool should recall him against Everton
Milos Kerkez was dropped for Liverpool’s mid-week Champions League group stage game against Atletico Madrid and will be wondering if he’s going to start against Everton this weekend.
Kerkez joined Liverpool from Bournemouth earlier in the summer, and although he was viewed as a smart signing at the time, has yet to really get going.
A hap hazardous first half against his former club on the Premier League’s opening night (15 August) appeared to set the tone.
Kerkez was dropped against Atletico Madrid recently with Andy Robertson set to take back Liverpool’s left-back position.
Arne Slot might want to rethink not starting Kerkez against Everton on Saturday (20 September), though.
Milos Kerkez has been defensively solid throughout time in Premier League
Joining Bournemouth from AZ Alkmaar in the summer of 2023, Kerkez has since gone on to feature in 70 Premier League games, including his first four outings for Liverpool.
While there seems to be an emerging narrative the Liverpool shirt is weighing heavy on Kerkez’s shoulders, the 21-year-old’s performances in the past two years suggest he’s a defensively solid option.
| Milos Kerkez in the Premier League | Total | Per 90 |
| Tackles | 105 | 1.7 |
| Interceptions | 65 | 1.0 |
| Clearances | 171 | 2.8 |
| Blocks | 24 | 0.4 |
| Crosses Blocked | 13 | 0.2 |
| Possession Won | 273 | 4.4 |
| Possession Won in Final Third | 22 | 0.4 |
| Possession Won in Mid Third | 96 | 1.5 |
| Possession Won in Defensive Third | 155 | 2.5 |
| Dribbled Past | 27 | 0.4 |
| Duels | 503 | 8.1 |
| Duels Won | 270 | 4.3 |
| Aerial Duels | 147 | 2.4 |
| Aerial Duels Won | 57 | 0.9 |
| Fouls Conceded | 58 | 0.9 |
Winning the ball, on average, over four times a match, and rarely allowing an opponent to dribble past him, Liverpool’s new No. 6 could help nulify the threat of Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye; one of the league’s standout wingers in recent weeks.
While Kerkez lack aerial presence, he makes up for it with his overall duels won. The former AC Milan youth academy graduate wins well over half of his one-on-ones, and, despite his reputation as a feisty full-back, seldom gives away free-kicks.
Iliman Ndiaye could be Everton’s biggest threat
At the other end of the pitch, Ndiaye, who will see his value rise, is a real threat, and regardless of who gets the nod from Slot; Kerkez or Robertson, neither will be in for an easy afternoon.
The Senegal international is the closest Everton have come to having a naturally-gifted, right-sided traditional winger since the days of Belgian club legend Kevin Mirallas.
Despite playing just four league games so far this season, the 25-year-old French born forward has found the back of the net twice.
Although there were early concerns Jack Grealish’s loan arrival from Manchester City might restrict Ndiaye’s creative impact, the pair have gelled well and look a real force to be reckoned with this campaign.
Nevertheless, while there remains much uncertainty over who will be Liverpool’s starting left-back this weekend, Ndiaye will know he’ll need to be at his very best if the Toffees are to win their first Merseyside Derby away at Anfield since February 2021.