Michael Owen Criticises Liverpool’s Milos Kerkez for ‘Nervous’ Anfield Displays

Michael Owen has questioned Milos Kerkez’s start at Liverpool, suggesting the young left-back looks overwhelmed by life at Anfield. His comments have put the club’s full-back options back in the spotlight.

Owen Warns of Liverpool’s Full-Back Problem

Speaking in an interview reported by TEAMtalk, the former Reds striker argued that Liverpool have concerns on both flanks. Conor Bradley’s fitness troubles continue, Jeremie Frimpong is more effective going forward than defending, and Kostas Tsimikas, in Owen’s opinion, is not good enough to start regularly.

Owen believes Kerkez seems “nervous and lost” in a Liverpool shirt that appears to weigh heavily on him.

Kerkez’s Liverpool Record So Far

Andrew Robertson’s form dipped during 2024/25, even as Liverpool won the title, so the club signed the 22-year-old Hungary international from Bournemouth as his long-term successor. The returns, however, have been modest. Across 48 appearances last season, Kerkez contributed to four goals and kept six clean sheets, while this term he has managed just one shutout in six games. Those figures fall short of what Anfield expected when he arrived.

That contrasts sharply with his time on the south coast, where, after joining from AZ Alkmaar, he scored twice, provided five assists and helped keep 10 clean sheets in 41 outings. Quick, direct and a dangerous crosser, he can also cover at right wing-back.

What Next for Liverpool’s Left-Back Position?

Tsimikas’s contract runs out next summer, so Liverpool may need another left-sided defender if Andoni Iraola decides against keeping the Greek.

In our view, Owen’s criticism is fair on the numbers but perhaps premature. Kerkez is only 22, and Iraola knows him well from their Bournemouth days, which could help rebuild his confidence. His pace and crossing suit the front-foot football Iraola favours, so a reunion could yet revive him. Still, with Bradley’s fitness uncertain, the full-back department deserves attention in January.