'I played left-back for Liverpool - this is my advice to Milos Kerkez'

Former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise has defended the left-back competition at Anfield, insisting Andy Robertson hasn't been disrespected even though summer signing Milos Kerkez has played more this season

Milos Kerkez has struggled at Liverpool so far(Image: Getty Images)

Ex-Liverpool defender John Arne Riise has offered his thoughts on Milos Kerkez's early days at Liverpool following his summer transfer.

The Hungarian made the switch from Premier League team Bournemouth to the Reds in June. This season, the 22-year-old has made appearances in 22 matches across all competitions and netted one goal. Kerkez was brought in as the long-term replacement for Andy Robertson, who was appointed vice-captain in the summer after Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure to Real Madrid.

Now 31, Robertson is in the last year of his contract at Anfield, and it's yet to be seen whether he'll extend his tenure beyond this season.

Liverpool's summer dealings have sparked much debate, especially as the Reds broke a new record for the highest amount spent by a single club in one window. Naturally, these figures don't account for net spend, as the Reds also parted ways with several players and generated substantial revenue through player sales.

But the pressure on the newcomers from supporters, the media, and the soccer community has been intense. Kerkez, in particular, has faced some criticism for his performances, with doubts raised about his readiness to step into Robertson's shoes so soon.

Riise, who turned out nearly 350 times for the Reds at left-back during his playing career, has shared his assessment of Kerkez's performances at the club thus far. He reckons the attacking aspect of his game requires improvement, while also maintaining that the club made the right call in bringing in a younger option as part of their long-term planning for Robertson's successor.

Andy Robertson has revealed he has not yet begun contract talks with Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

"It's a tricky situation because I like Kerkez," Riise explained in an interview with Casinostugan. "He has offensive nature, sharpness, and wide play, but everything is 100 miles per hour. Robertson has the experience and calmness to know how to play.

"Kerkez has struggled in some games with his decision-making with the ball, his runs, and everything. One against one, he's sharp, he's quick, and all that kind of stuff, but I think the offensive part is where he hasn't been at his 100 percent best. However, I like the situation with Robertson and Kerkez because it's a big challenge for both of them, and it keeps them on their toes."

Liverpool's summer left-back reshuffle also saw Kostas Tsimikas head out on loan to Serie A team Roma. In contrast to Kerkez's playing time, Robertson has featured 17 times this term, though he's only been named in the starting XI for three Premier League fixtures.

During the period of Arne Slot's team's poor form, which has marred this season, many wondered why Robertson wasn't featuring more prominently, given the evident need for leadership, especially in defence.

Riise, however, doesn't think the changes have been premature and believes it's appropriate for veteran players to feel the pressure from younger talents vying for a starting spot.

"I think it's right to sign younger players. Tsimikas also left, so we didn't really have any left-back competition," the former Norway international continued. "Even though Robertson has kept his level, he's not getting any younger.

"He needs younger players to come in, to challenge, to give competition for Robertson, and see if Robertson can keep going. I think that's fair, but I do feel that Robertson should have played more games this season because Kerkez has not been at his best.

"Slot has given him chances to get into the team, but I don't think it's a disrespect because that's how we do it. But at the same time, Robertson has proved already this season that he's still there."