Szoboszlai speaks after his 150th Liverpool appearance as Kerkez answers critics

Milos Kerkez produced a performance that divided the English press, even as Liverpool claimed their first Premier League win of the season. This Is Anfield gave the Hungarian defender a seven, praising his aggressive and proactive defending and noting that manager Andoni Iraola repeatedly instructed him from the touchline during the first half.

Kerkez played an important part in Liverpool forcing Ipswich into several turnovers on the left. He also faced Ipswich forward Abdul Fatawu in numerous duels. His aggression, however, brought a clear downside: he received a yellow card in the second half for a heavy challenge, and the criticism that has followed him in recent weeks did not disappear.

The BBC offered a more moderate assessment, rating him six. It said Fatawu's pace caused Kerkez problems at times, but that he was never placed in serious difficulty. Rousing The Kop took a far harsher view and gave him four. Although it credited him with winning the ball before the first goal, it said he again looked like the team's weak link.

That outlet argued that Kerkez lost too many challenges on the ground and in the air, failed to apply enough pressure to Fatawu and made an unnecessary sliding tackle that earned his booking. The contrast showed how the same moments can look either like the aggressive, forward-defending style Iraola's system demands or like indiscipline and vulnerability.

Overall, Kerkez offered a response to the broad criticism he had received in recent weeks. He made a match-influencing recovery before the first goal and produced several strong defensive actions, marking a clear improvement despite the divided reviews.