Former striker Michael Owen has suggested that Liverpool are facing significant challenges on their defensive flanks. He expressed concern that Milos Kerkenez is not demonstrating the necessary attributes to excel in that role.
The Hungarian player made the move to Liverpool from Bournemouth in 2025 for a fee of £40 million. Having previously worked under manager Andoni Iraola, Owen is nonetheless unimpressed with Kerkenez's performances so far.
Owen is also worried about the defensive frailties of Jeremy Frimpong and the ongoing injury struggles of Conor Bradley. Even the successful loan of Ronald Araujo from Barcelona has not rectified the problems facing Liverpool on the flanks.
"The full-back position is a real issue for Liverpool, and it pains me to say that. Not long ago, they had the best full-backs in the world with Trent and Robbo. The numbers they were putting up and the way they played was simply astonishing.
It was a position of strength, but suddenly everything has collapsed, and now it’s a major problem. I’m a big fan of Conor Bradley, but his injury record is clear for everyone to see. Frimpong does not strike me as a defender; he looks more like an attacking player.
Tsakimikos isn't quite good enough to start every week, and Kerkenez has been struggling immensely since his transfer. He appears nervous and lost in the red shirt, as if the weight of it is bearing down on him. I believe both flanks of defence are problematic.
