Rayan Ait-Nouri vs Milos Kerkez: Which Left-Back Should Liverpool Sign in January? | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Left-Back Conundrum: Rayan Aït-Nouri and Milos Kerkez in Focus

Liverpool’s need for defensive reinforcements has sparked discussions around potential left-back options. On a recent Anfield Index episode of Transfer Market Metrics, host Dave Davis and contributor Dr Phil Barts analysed two reported targets: Rayan Aït-Nouri and Milos Kerkez. Their findings revealed both potential and limitations in these players’ profiles, particularly in their defensive contributions.

Rayan Aït-Nouri: Shifting Strengths and Concerns

Aït-Nouri has long been linked with Liverpool, but Dr Barts highlighted a concerning trend in his recent performances. While previously known for his defensive solidity, his metrics this season tell a different story:

“Defensively, Aït-Nouri’s numbers have regressed significantly. He’s in the 54th percentile for blocks, 55th for interceptions, and his aerial success rate is just 28%.”

These figures are particularly alarming, considering Wolves’ defensive workload this season. Barts explained:

“Given the volume of defending Wolves are doing, these numbers are worrying. Aït-Nouri only stopped 14% of the EPV (Expected Possession Value) in a recent game against Southampton, which isn’t encouraging for a Liverpool full-back.”

On the other hand, Aït-Nouri’s attacking output has improved:

“He’s in the 97th percentile for shots and 94th for assists, so there’s definitely a threat going forward.”

This shift towards attacking contributions may appeal to some, but for Liverpool’s system, where full-backs need to excel defensively and tactically, the drop in defensive reliability raises questions.

Photo: IMAGO

Milos Kerkez: Young Talent with Room to Grow

The discussion also touched on Milos Kerkez, the Hungarian left-back currently playing for Bournemouth. Kerkez, at just 19 years old, brings potential but has yet to prove himself at the highest level. Dr Barts noted:

“Kerkez has better defensive numbers than Aït-Nouri in some areas, but his aerial success rate is still only 25th percentile, which is quite low for a Liverpool defender.”

Kerkez’s attacking contributions, while promising, also fell short of Liverpool’s current full-backs:

“His passing and progressive carries are decent, but there’s nothing over the 75th percentile. Comparatively, his numbers aren’t enough to push out either Andy Robertson or Kostas Tsimikas.”

Photo: IMAGO

Kerkez has shown glimpses of his potential, including his high-profile assist against Manchester City. However, Barts cautioned against overvaluing isolated moments:

“At 19, he’s one for the future, but the rumoured £50 million price tag feels excessive given his current profile.”

Current Full-Backs Still Ahead

To put these targets into perspective, Dr Barts compared their performances with Liverpool’s existing left-backs, Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas. Robertson, despite concerns about a decline, still outperforms Aït-Nouri and Kerkez in key metrics:

“Robertson stopped 100% of Aston Villa’s EPV in a recent game and continues to hold the defensive line better. Tsimikas, meanwhile, has shown strong ball progression and creative passing, which aligns more with Arne Slot’s system.”

Barts added that while Robertson’s defensive performances have dipped slightly, Tsimikas has stepped up this season:

“Tsimikas links well with players like Cody Gakpo and offers more on-ball ability than Robertson, which suits Slot’s tactical needs.”

Photo: IMAGO

Should Liverpool Invest in January?

Both Aït-Nouri and Kerkez have qualities that could make them valuable additions, but neither appears ready to displace Liverpool’s current left-backs. As Barts summarised:

“Right now, there’s not enough in their profiles to justify a January move. They’d need significant improvement over the remainder of the season to be seriously considered.”

With Liverpool flying high this season, the club may avoid unnecessary January spending. However, long-term plans could see a left-back arrive in the summer, especially if Robertson’s decline continues.

Conclusion

Liverpool’s reported interest in Aït-Nouri and Kerkez highlights the importance of long-term planning for defensive reinforcements. However, as Dr Barts pointed out, neither player currently offers the all-around package required to thrive in Arne Slot’s demanding system.

For now, Liverpool fans can take solace in the fact that Robertson and Tsimikas continue to provide strong contributions, even as the search for future reinforcements continues.