Is Alan Shearer Right About Liverpool's £40m Star Not Being the Same Player After Everton Win?

Alan Shearer has raised concerns over the performance of one of Liverpool's summer signings, suggesting that Milos Kerkez has not adapted well under manager Arne Slot following their 2-1 victory over Everton. While Liverpool maintained their unbeaten record with goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike, Shearer pointed out that the team's defensive vulnerabilities were evident, particularly in the second half of the match.

Last updated: 10 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways from the Match

• Liverpool secured a 2-1 win over Everton, continuing their perfect start to the season.
• Alan Shearer expressed concerns over Milos Kerkez's performance and adaptation to Liverpool's tactical demands.
• Everton's Idrissa Gueye scored a goal that brought his team back into contention during the second half.
• Ryan Gravenberch's performance has drawn praise, with some believing he has the potential to be a £100 million player.
• Despite the win, Liverpool's overall performance raised questions about their defensive stability.

The Match Overview

In a tightly contested Merseyside derby, Liverpool's early lead established by Gravenberch and Ekitike was threatened by Everton's resurgence after Gueye's goal. The Reds, who have shown inconsistency despite their results, struggled defensively, particularly in the latter stages of the match.

Shearer's Critique on Liverpool's Defence

Alan Shearer, during his analysis on NBC Sports, highlighted that Liverpool appeared to lose control in the second half. He noted, "In the first half, I thought they were the much better team. They deserved their lead. They played some bright, energetic football." However, he quickly pointed out the shift in momentum, stating that Everton were the superior side in the second half, deserving of at least a draw.

Player Performances Under Scrutiny

Shearer specifically called out Milos Kerkez, who has faced challenges since joining Liverpool from Bournemouth. The left-back has not displayed the same attacking flair, seemingly caught between defensive responsibilities and his natural inclination to push forward. Shearer stated, "At the minute we are not seeing the same player in Kerkez that we saw when he was down at Bournemouth."

This adjustment period reflects the broader tactical shifts under Slot, who has tried to instil a more disciplined structure within the team. The need for balance between attack and defence has left some players, including Kerkez, struggling to find their rhythm.

The Bench Impact: Isak and Wirtz

Both Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, notable summer signings expected to make a significant impact, found themselves on the bench during the match. Shearer suggested that their absence from the starting eleven was a tactical decision by Slot, reverting to a more familiar line-up that had served the team well in the previous season.

He explained, "I think he went back to his tried and trusted of the three," suggesting that Slot opted for experience in a challenging fixture rather than risking the integration of new players.

Gravenberch: A Rising Star

Amidst concerns about defensive stability, Ryan Gravenberch emerged as a standout performer. The Dutch midfielder's talent has caught the attention of pundits, including Michael Owen, who remarked that Gravenberch has the potential to be valued at £100 million. Owen stated, "If he was playing for another team now, everybody would be after him as a new No.6, sitting midfield player, thinking £100 million plus."

Gravenberch's ability to control the midfield and create opportunities has been a bright spot for Liverpool, suggesting that while the team may struggle defensively, their attacking capabilities remain potent.

What’s Next for Liverpool?

As Liverpool continues its campaign, the focus will be on addressing defensive vulnerabilities while maintaining their attacking prowess. The integration of new players like Kerkez, Isak, and Wirtz will be crucial as they aim to solidify their position in the league. Slot's tactical adjustments will also need to be evaluated as the team faces tougher opposition in the coming weeks.

Conclusion: Balancing Act for Slot

The win against Everton, while crucial, highlighted areas for improvement within the Liverpool squad. As Alan Shearer pointed out, the team can be fortunate to have secured three points despite a lacklustre performance in the second half. Addressing these issues will be vital for Liverpool as they strive to build on their successful start to the season.

What adjustments do you think Liverpool should make to ensure consistent performances moving forward? #LiverpoolFC #MerseysideDerby #PremierLeague

FAQs

What did Alan Shearer say about Liverpool's performance against Everton?

Alan Shearer noted that Liverpool's first-half performance was strong, but the team struggled in the second half, suggesting they were fortunate to win against a resilient Everton side.

How has Milos Kerkez performed since joining Liverpool?

Milos Kerkez has faced difficulties adapting to Liverpool's tactical style, with Shearer commenting that he is not showing the same attacking prowess he exhibited while at Bournemouth.

What is Ryan Gravenberch's potential value as a player?

Michael Owen believes Ryan Gravenberch has the talent to be valued at £100 million, highlighting his ability to control midfield play and create scoring opportunities.

Why were Isak and Wirtz on the bench during the match?

Isak and Wirtz were benched as manager Arne Slot opted for a more familiar starting line-up, prioritising experience for the challenging match against Everton.

What tactical changes does Liverpool need to make for future matches?

Liverpool needs to find a better balance between defensive stability and attacking freedom, especially in integrating new players and solidifying the backline.