Michael Owen slams Liverpool defender Milos Kerkez for 'nervous' displays

Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen has criticised defender Milos Kerkez, claiming the left-back looks nervous and that the club have issues at full-back, during an interview with TEAMtalk.

  • Player: Milos Kerkez, Liverpool left-back
  • Critic: Michael Owen, former Liverpool striker turned pundit
  • Key quote: "Kerkez has struggled since being there. He looks nervous and lost in the red shirt and it looks heavy on him. I think the two full-backs are a problem."
  • Kerkez's stats last season: 48 appearances, 4 goal contributions, 6 clean sheets
  • Kerkez's stats this season: 6 matches, 1 clean sheet
  • Also mentioned: Conor Bradley (fitness), Jeremie Frimpong, Kostas Tsimikas, Andrew Robertson, Andoni Iraola

What was said

"Kerkez has struggled since being there. He looks nervous and lost in the red shirt and it looks heavy on him. I think the two full-backs are a problem."

— Michael Owen, former Liverpool striker, speaking to TEAMtalk

Owen's comments highlight a broader concern about Liverpool's full-back options. He pointed to Conor Bradley's fitness problems and suggested Jeremie Frimpong is not a natural defender, while Kostas Tsimikas is not good enough to play regularly for the club.

Kerkez, 22, arrived at Anfield with a strong reputation after impressing for AFC Bournemouth. At Bournemouth he scored twice and registered five assists in 41 appearances, keeping 10 clean sheets. He has struggled to replicate that form at Liverpool, and Owen believes the pressure of the red shirt is affecting him.

The numbers

  • Kerkez at Liverpool last season: 48 appearances, 4 goal contributions, 6 clean sheets across all competitions
  • Kerkez at Liverpool this season: 6 matches, 1 clean sheet in all tournaments
  • Kerkez at Bournemouth: 41 appearances, 2 goals, 5 assists, 10 clean sheets
  • Age: 22

Injury and availability

  • Conor Bradley: fitness problems, according to Owen

Why Liverpool's full-back situation is a problem

Liverpool signed Milos Kerkez as a potential long-term replacement for Andrew Robertson, who was an undisputed starter at left-back. Robertson showed signs of decline during the 2024/25 campaign, although the Reds won the Premier League title that season.

Kerkez's adaptation has been slow. His attacking output at Bournemouth has not translated to Anfield, and defensively he has struggled to keep clean sheets. Owen's comments come at a time when Liverpool's other full-back options are also under scrutiny. Conor Bradley's fitness issues are well documented, Jeremie Frimpong is more comfortable in advanced areas, and Kostas Tsimikas is viewed as a squad player rather than a regular starter.

If Liverpool are to challenge for major honours, they need consistency from their full-backs. Kerkez has time on his side at 22, but the pressure is mounting. The club may need to consider signing another left-sided defender, especially with Tsimikas' contract set to run until next summer. Whether manager Andoni Iraola decides to part ways with the Greek international remains to be seen.

Talking points

  • Is Michael Owen right to single out Milos Kerkez, or is the 22-year-old being made a scapegoat for wider defensive issues?
  • Should Liverpool persist with Kerkez as their long-term left-back, or sign an experienced replacement this summer?
  • With Conor Bradley's fitness problems and Jeremie Frimpong's defensive limitations, do Liverpool have the worst full-back options among the top four?
  • If Andoni Iraola lets Kostas Tsimikas leave, can Liverpool afford to go into next season with only Kerkez and a makeshift backup?

What happens next

Liverpool's next match will be an opportunity for Kerkez to respond on the pitch. The club must also decide on Kostas Tsimikas' future, with his contract expiring next summer. If Iraola opts to sell the Greek defender, Liverpool will need to sign a new left-sided defender as a replacement, which could put further pressure on Kerkez.

Frequently asked questions

What did Michael Owen say about Milos Kerkez?

Owen said: "Kerkez has struggled since being there. He looks nervous and lost in the red shirt and it looks heavy on him. I think the two full-backs are a problem."

How many appearances has Milos Kerkez made for Liverpool?

Kerkez made 48 appearances across all competitions last season, with 4 goal contributions and 6 clean sheets. This season he has played 6 matches and kept 1 clean sheet.

What are Liverpool's full-back options?

Liverpool have Milos Kerkez, Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong and Kostas Tsimikas. Owen claims Bradley has fitness problems, Frimpong is not a natural defender, and Tsimikas isn't good enough to play regularly.

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