Liverpool Fans Fume Over ‘Worst Player’ Display Against Crystal Palace Following Controversial Arne Slot Decision
Liverpool’s poor run of form continued in their Carabao Cup defeat to Crystal Palace, deepening concerns over Arne Slot’s current approach.
The Dutch manager made his intentions clear from the start, rotating heavily by making 10 changes to the side that lost 3-2 to Brentford at the weekend. His starting lineup featured three teenagers – Rio Ngumoha, Kieran Morrison, and Trey Nyoni – while Palace opted for a strong XI as they aimed to reach the sixth round.
The visitors took full advantage, with Ismaila Sarr scoring twice in the first half as Palace fans mocked Slot from the stands.
Liverpool fans fume over Arne Slot’s Milos Kerkez decision
Liverpool suffered their fifth defeat in six matches on Wednesday night, and many supporters were quick to criticise Slot for one particular tactical choice involving Milos Kerkez.
The Hungarian, who joined from Bournemouth in the summer, kept his place at left-back after scoring against Brentford but endured a difficult evening. He won just one ground duel and completed a single dribble across 90 minutes, prompting harsh reactions online.
One fan wrote, “Kerkez is one of the worst footballers I’ve ever seen haha,” while another added, “Kerkez has been terrible at defending set pieces – every team is targeting him now.” A third commented, “Kerkez is the worst signing we’ve made in 20 years.”
Others suggested his struggles were partly due to Slot’s tactical setup, which saw Kerkez used as an inverted full-back rather than overlapping on the left flank.
One supporter posted, “How are we playing a back three and still have Kerkez inverting? Slot might have lost the plot.” Another added, “Slot can’t get the best out of Kerkez – it’s sad but true.”
A further comment read, “Slot’s obsession with inverting Kerkez in buildup play is baffling. He’s clearly not suited for that role.”
Kerkez’s performance vs Crystal Palace
Slot mirrored Oliver Glasner’s system by deploying a five-man defence, with Kerkez operating as a wing-back. However, the tactical tweak backfired as Palace’s superior organisation and quality exposed Liverpool’s experimental lineup.
Kerkez had little attacking influence and struggled to impose himself defensively throughout the game.
Milos Kerkez vs Crystal Palace – Key Stats:
93 minutes played
1/3 ground duels won
4 recoveries
40/53 passes completed (75%)
2 key passes
1 successful dribble
Liverpool fans remain unconvinced by both Kerkez’s form and Slot’s system, with many believing the young defender is among several players yet to find their rhythm under the new manager.
