Milos Kerkez set for further Arne Slot punishment ahead of Liverpool clash vs Everton
Milos Kerkez faces a battle to get back into the Liverpool starting line-up.
Kerkez has started Liverpool’s first five matches of the campaign, but was axed for the Champions League win over Atletico Madrid.
Andy Robertson had been linked with a Liverpool exit, but he remained on Merseyside to fight for his place in the team.
Kerkez admitted his respect for Robertson when he joined Liverpool, but he will be disappointed to lose his spot to the Scotsman if that is his fate.
Liverpool News presents the exclusive opinion of iconic football commentator Ian Darke.
Robertson set to start in Liverpool vs Everton
Kerkez struggled in Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Burnley, being subbed off in the 38th minute after a dismal dive.
Darke believes that Robertson will retain his place for the derby, and Kerkez will be left on the bench rather than winning his spot back.
Speaking exclusively to Liverpool News, he said: “He has not made the best of starts [Kerkez], I think it was always possible that Andy Robertson would reclaim the place and would make a big, strong fight for it, once it was decided he was staying at Anfield and not being transferred away.
“I think from Liverpool’s point on view, it is really good that they still have that option to bring in somebody with Robertson’s track record, even if he perhaps is not quite the player that he used to be.
“It would not surprise me at all, if Robertson got the nod for the derby, particularly after Arne Slot went public in criticising him for the dive.
“He is managing a big football club, with a lot of big players, with big reputations, and I think any manager of a club like Liverpool has to be able to make tough decisions, and put a few noses out of joint from time to time.
“Similarly, I think the players at a club know that is going to be the way of it, nobody is guarenteed a place in the team.”
Arne Slot will love Milos Kerkez v Andy Robertson battle
Two players pushing each other, desperate to start, that is the perfect scenario for a manager.
Slot will surely love the competition between the two and the fact that it will bring out the best in both of them.
That should benefit his side, as both are motivated to perform well, one to keep the other out, and the other to try and overhaul the starter.
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