Alan Shearer Questions Milos Kerkez’s Form as Liverpool Continue Winning Run
Liverpool legend Alan Shearer has expressed concerns over the form of Milos Kerkez, suggesting that the Hungary international is not performing at the level he displayed last season. Despite Liverpool’s narrow 2-1 victory over Everton in the Merseyside derby, Shearer highlighted that Kerkez’s performance raised questions about his adaptation to the Reds’ style of play.
Kerkez started his fifth Premier League match of the season under manager Arne Slot on Saturday, contributing to a win that preserved Liverpool’s perfect start. While other summer signings like Hugo Ekitike impressed by making immediate impacts, Kerkez came under scrutiny for his hesitancy and apparent indecision during key moments of the game. Shearer noted that the 21-year-old seems uncertain when to push forward and when to remain in a defensive position alongside Liverpool’s central defenders, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté.
The transition from Bournemouth to Liverpool has proven challenging for Kerkez, who joined the club for £40 million in the summer transfer window. At Bournemouth, Kerkez thrived with freedom to attack and roam down the left flank, contributing two goals and six assists during his breakout 2024/25 season. At Liverpool, however, he has yet to record a goal or assist in seven appearances across all competitions, suggesting that adapting to a star-studded and tactically disciplined squad has affected his natural play.
Speaking on NBC Sports, Shearer emphasized that Kerkez’s current form contrasts sharply with his previous displays: “We’re not seeing the same player here as we did at Bournemouth. He used to be fluid and confident going forward. Now, he seems caught between attacking and defending, unsure of how to balance both responsibilities on the left side.”
Liverpool currently top the Premier League table after five games, having scored 11 goals—the highest in the division at this stage of the season. The Reds aim to extend their unbeaten run when they face Crystal Palace next Saturday. Their recent win over Everton marked only the second time in the club’s history that they have achieved five consecutive home victories against their Merseyside rivals, the first run occurring from 1933 to 1937.
Elsewhere in Liverpool’s squad, Cody Gakpo faced criticism for his display on the left flank against Everton, while record signing Alexander Isak was introduced from the bench. Despite individual concerns, the team continues to maintain its winning momentum, reflecting a blend of squad depth and managerial strategy that keeps Liverpool at the summit of English football.
