Gary Neville warns two of Liverpool's summer transfers - 'Settle down'

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Gary Neville has delivered a cautionary message to two of Liverpool's summer acquisitions following the opening weekend of the new Premier League campaign.

The Reds kicked off the season with a thrilling 4-2 triumph at home to Bournemouth during 'Friday Night Football' last week, launching their title defence in impressive fashion. Strikes from Hugo Ekitike, Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, and Mohamed Salah clinched the victory for Liverpool.

The Reds found themselves level at 2-2 in the 88th minute before Chiesa and Salah's efforts sealed all three points at Anfield. Arne Slot gave Premier League debuts to four of Liverpool's summer recruits in the triumph over the Cherries.

Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and Florian Wirtz all made their maiden top-flight appearances for the Reds against Bournemouth.

And two of those players drew Neville's focus.

The former Manchester United defender has delivered his assessment of the display from Liverpool's two full-backs, Frimpong and Kerkez.

Slot withdrew both players on the hour mark during the victory over Bournemouth, with the Reds holding a 2-0 advantage at that point before Antoine Semenyo's double.

Milos Kerkez joined Liverpool this summer

Milos Kerkez joined Liverpool this summer

"I think the full-backs will need to settle down a little bit defensively," said Neville on the Sky Sports Gary Neville podcast.

"Kerkez was quite rash, it's understandable, it's his first game at Anfield.

"Frimpong, I thought he was doing quite well, but he got substituted.

"So, there are some questions for Liverpool in respect of the defensive side of their game and the balance in midfield."

Liverpool's next fixture will see the team journey to Newcastle United for 'Monday Night Football' in the first away game of the season.

Slot may once again field both Kerkez and Frimpong, with hopes that Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas will be fit for left-back duties.

Conor Bradley's return at right-back remains uncertain following a preseason injury.

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