Liverpool are increasingly being linked with Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkes. But who is he and what can he offer to Arne Slot’s side?
Transfer targets are never off the news agenda, and in recent days we’ve seen the Reds linked with Kerkez. In Hungary, it was claimed that “the parties are actually negotiating.”
Liverpool are expected to be in the market for a left-back in 2025, with Andy Robertson turning 31 in March and Kostas Tsimikas turning 29.
Long-term options will be explored and now that Kerkez’s name has come up, let’s take a closer look at what he can offer.
Who is Milos Kerquez?
age: 21
key: 5’9″(1.8m)
nationality: Hungarian
Kerkes’ career has taken him from Serbia to Austria, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands as a youth player and now the Premier League as a full-time professional.
He joined Bournemouth from AZ Alkmaar last summer for around £15 million. At the time, Liverpool was known to have received the transfer.
The Reds’ current sporting director, Richard Hughes, oversaw the transfer of the young left-back, who has played 119 senior games at club level to date.
Kerkes was born in Serbia but chose to play for Hungary as a teenager and has since gone on to make 21 appearances for Hungary, playing alongside Dominik Szoboszlai in every match.
The 21-year-old has so far scored five goals and provided 15 assists for club and country.
The left-back was previously on AC Milan’s roster but left because “he wanted to play”. This was a nod to his personality. He too said He said himself, “I can’t sit still and I have a lot of energy.”
Kerkez likes to take a leading position on the left and run towards his opponents, which is very consistent with the way he describes himself!
strengths and weaknesses
According to FBRefKerkez ranks in the 88th percentile compared to other fullbacks. Percentage of dribbles tackled and 75th progressive carry.
He also averaged 1.67 touches in the penalty box (66th percentile), a figure that understandably declined during his time at Bournemouth. Before transferring, he averaged 2.35 touches.
Nonetheless, the numbers show that Kerkes has a tendency to occupy attacking positions and is also adept at successfully stopping opponents when they run at him.
Former Middlesbrough midfielder Robbie Mustoe is now a commentator. Kerkez said: “He’s one of those players who looks really comfortable going forward. His left foot is really good, but his defense is also good.
“If you look at the way he plays, he’s got a little fire in his belly and he’s an aggressive defender as well.
“I’ve had a quick look at their left-backs at the top of the Premier League table and I don’t think there’s anyone better than this guy.”
Assessing the 21-year-old, who provided two assists in Bournemouth’s win over Manchester City earlier this month, Musto predicted he will be playing for a top four club within the next year or two.
Naturally, he is not a finished product, having just turned 21 years old. Kerkez is raw and has room for improvement.
especially his disposal efficiency He’s in the 37th percentile for pass completions, so he needs to improve. not strong in the air And I’m guilty of holding on to the ball too long.
This is a trait that Slot can certainly address.
Adjusting to Liverpool
As mentioned above, both Robertson and Tsimikas are either over 30 or getting close to it, and the left-back role will likely need an injection of youth in the near future.
Liverpool feature the likes of Luke Chambers, Owen Beck and Calum Scanlon, who all had the chance to impress Arne Slot during pre-season before leaving on loan. However, Chambers and Scanlon are currently injured.
They all have their merits, but as Mustoe points out, Kerkez “looks like Robertson in his prime.” “He likes getting forward and is an aggressive defender.”
This is a move away from the hybrid defenders we’ve been targeting and associated with in recent years – those who are comfortable playing at centre-back along with left-back duties.
But Kerkes appears to be an exciting emerging talent and will have two seasons of Premier League experience in May. This is invaluable in settling down.
Tsimikas himself has a left-back who could usurp the threatening Robertson for a starting spot, and Kerkes could certainly be a contender if he can pry him off Dean Court for the right price.
