Arne Slot Should Drop ‘Very Disappointing’ Liverpool Player Against Arsenal Following 5/10 Display vs Newcastle

Liverpool Show Champion Mentality but Slot Faces Selection Dilemma Ahead of Arsenal Clash

Liverpool showed the composure of champions in their win over Newcastle United, collecting all three points. However, Arne Slot will have learned a lot from that performance, particularly with a crucial match against Arsenal coming up on August 31.

Next on the agenda is a visit from last season’s runners-up, Arsenal. Both teams, along with Tottenham Hotspur, are currently leading the Premier League table. Mikel Arteta’s side is coming off a dominant 5-0 victory against Leeds United, and their attacking firepower could pose a serious threat to Liverpool’s backline.

Slot Might Need to Make Changes

Unlike Newcastle, who are dealing with striker issues, Arsenal have no such concerns. They boast last season’s top European scorer, Viktor Gyokeres, who just netted his first goal for the club. Despite Bukayo Saka being out with a hamstring injury, Arsenal’s squad depth allows them to bring in someone like Noni Madueke, whose speed and agility can cause plenty of problems.

This raises a major concern for Slot, especially considering the poor showing from Milos Kerkez against Newcastle. The left-back received a 5/10 rating after a weak performance where he struggled to contain Anthony Elanga and was easily beaten in the air by Bruno Guimaraes for Newcastle’s second goal.

Kerkez joined Liverpool from Bournemouth in a £40 million move after a strong previous season, but his form has been underwhelming. Despite playing alongside experienced defenders like Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk, he has lacked the necessary physical presence.

Carragher Criticizes Kerkez’s Start

Jamie Carragher didn’t hold back in his assessment of Kerkez’s performance on Monday Night Football. He called the young defender’s start to life at Liverpool “really poor,” citing his nervousness in the opener against Bournemouth and his inability to handle Elanga or challenge Guimaraes effectively.

Although Kerkez won most of his aerial duels statistically, he failed to rise to the occasion during critical moments. His passing was also off, misplacing all five of his long balls and his only cross.

Robertson Could Be the Safer Choice

Given Kerkez’s struggles, Slot may want to rely on the experience of Andy Robertson for the Arsenal match. The 31-year-old has been through title battles before and has a reputation for handling top-level wingers. Though expected to play a more limited role this season, Robertson’s leadership and composure could be invaluable in such a high-stakes game.

While he wasn’t at his peak last season, the current form of Kerkez may prompt a change. Robertson’s familiarity with Van Dijk and Konate might also help solidify the backline in a game where defensive stability will be crucial.