Slot needs credit for one of his less talked about Liverpool decisions that paid off vs Brighton - opinion
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Milos Kerkez Has Rewarded Arne Slot's Decision to Persist with Left-Back
By Rousing The Kop Staff | February 14, 2026
In a commanding 3-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup fourth round at Anfield, Liverpool's Milos Kerkez shone brightly, vindicating manager Arne Slot's faith in the young left-back.[1][3] Slot's persistence with Kerkez, despite early teething problems since his summer arrival from Bournemouth, paid dividends as the Hungarian international delivered a match-defining assist and terrorized Brighton's right flank.[1][4]
The Reds progressed to the fifth round with goals from Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, and a penalty from Mohamed Salah. Kerkez, starting as one of four changes alongside Szoboszlai, Jones, and Federico Chiesa, was instrumental from the outset. In the first half, he forced a fine save from Brighton's Jason Steele with a fizzing shot, then whipped in a perfect cross from near the left touchline in the 42nd minute. Jones opened his body to divert it goalwards off the bar, securing a vital lead just before halftime.[1][3]
Slot's lineup featured Alisson in goal behind Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, with Kerkez at left-back. Midfield maestro Alexis Mac Allister anchored, supported by Szoboszlai, while flair players Florian Wirtz, Salah, Chiesa, and Cody Gakpo promised attacking verve. A Gakpo goal was ruled out for offside from Szoboszlai's free-kick, but Alisson's heroics denied Lewis Dunk and Jan Paul van Hecke early in the second half.[1][2]
Szoboszlai doubled the lead soon after, rifling home from a Salah-Gakpo switch, before Salah converted a spot-kick. Kerkez's outstanding performance drew praise, with his rampaging runs and brilliant touches highlighting his elite potential. Promising signs down the left included a cut-inside chance flagged offside, underscoring his growing influence.[3][4]
Slot deserves credit for this under-the-radar masterstroke. Persisting with Kerkez amid competition from Andrew Robertson has unlocked a dynamic weapon, boosting Liverpool's title charge and cup run. Brighton offered little response, with Jack Hinshelwood heading over and Diego Gomez denied by Alisson. Substitutes like Joe Gomez, Hugo Ekitike, and Rio Ngumoha maintained momentum.[1][2]
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