Liverpool may find themselves at the top of the Premier League table with 12 points, but that doesn’t mean they deserve it.
The Reds have left it until the last minute to win their games in almost every single one of their Premier League matches this season.
And, while it may create some intensity and keep fans intrigued until the full-time whistle is blown, it’s hardly a viable solution across the entirety of the season.
That is, especially since there were moments throughout each of those games when it felt like Liverpool could end up being defeated.
The form that some of Arne Slot’s players have shown this term has been well below par, and with one defender, it feels like the Dutchman may have made a massive mistake by signing him.
Milos Kerkez needs to step up his performances for Liverpool soon
Milos Kerkez was easily the best left-back in the Premier League last term.
The Hungarian contributed to plenty of goals, and his defensive contributions were second to none.
And, although there have been glimpses of that player during his time with Liverpool, more often than not, he’s left fans and his teammates rather disappointed.
In fact, he was so hot-headed in Liverpool’s 1-0 win against Burnley on Sunday that Slot took him off the pitch in the 38th minute.
After the game had concluded, Slot was asked about Kerkez’s substitution, and his answer is certainly a cause for concern, especially since the Reds paid £45million to bring him to Anfield.
“It was because he got a yellow card. I think the fans here thought a chance for them to win the game is if we ended up with a second yellow,” he said to BBC Sport.
“With Milos I can never be 100% he doesn’t make the next foul, then the fans are on top of the referee.
“I thought the only way we could lose it today was if we went down to 10 men.”
Andy Robertson may end up earning his starting XI place back at Liverpool
Seeing as though Kostas Tsimikas has been moved on this summer, it’s clear that Slot signed Kerkez to be his starting left-back.
And, although he’s much faster than Andy Robertson and arguably has better output than him, his on-pitch antics are really holding him back.
Every tackle the Hungarian makes looks rushed and as if he doesn’t care whether or not he gets the ball.
He’s already earned two yellow cards in just four Premier League games, with the defender even making three fouls.
However, when Robertson was substituted in, it was like he brought a sense of calmness with him on the pitch.
The Scotsman may be getting on a bit now, but the fact that he can still put in top-level performances shows that he’s still valuable to have around.
And, who knows, if Kerkez doesn’t sort himself out soon, he could end up losing his place in Slot’s starting XI to Robertson.
That is, especially if he can’t keep a level head in the Reds’ upcoming Champions League games.
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