By Ewan Reid

The left-back position at Liverpool has been revolutionised in recent years by the relentless energy of Andy Robertson following the Scot’s signing in 2017. However, with the newly appointed vice-captain now in his thirties, the Reds entered the summer transfer window knowing they needed competition, and ultimately, a successor.  That competition arrived in the form of 21-year-old Milos Kerkez.

Signed from AFC Bournemouth for a £40m fee, many fans were excited by Kerkez’s signing and Milos shared the same excitement upon his move stating 

"It's a real honour for me, a privilege to come to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world, [the] biggest club in England. I'm just really, really happy and excited.”

Although, it’s not been an easy start to life at Anfield for Kerkez since his arrival from the Cherries in the summer. The defender has seemingly struggled to adapt to Slot’s system and not made the instant impact Reds were hoping for. 

While it’s not been the dream start to his career in a Liverpool shirt, fans may be naive to write Kerkez off just yet. One of the Premier League’s most consistent left-backs last season, earning himself a spot in the PFA Team of the Year, it’s clear that the Hungarian has talent in abundance. But what does he need to do to recapture his Bournemouth form while playing for the Reds?

The Early Years

Credits - Daily Record

Kerkez was born in Serbia, in the small town of Vrbas. He spent his formative years at Rapid Wien in Austria, playing there from 2014 to 2019.  In 2020, he returned closer to home, signing for ETO FC Győr in Hungary’s second division. It was here he decided to pledge his international allegiances to Hungary over Serbia, citing the support he got from his coaches and teammates as the reason. 

Milos found himself on the radar of European giants in his debut season as a young professional. With interest starting to build, a phone call from none other than AC Milan legend Paulo Maldini helped the fullback decide on his next club, moving to Italy to join the Serie A super club. 

On paper, it looked like a dream move. But in reality, it turned out to be the opposite. With the competition being high amongst the defensive ranks , his time at AC Milan was spent in the U19s. Kerkez failed to make a competitive appearance for the ‘Rossoneri’ and was swiftly moved on to AZ Alkmaar in the Eredivisie after just one season seeking first team football. A defining decision for the young footballer. 

Kerkez’ move to Alkmaar was a risk but it paid off. Swiftly maturing as a player, Milos soon became a fan favourite in Alkmaar and the rumour mill began to swirl. After two years in the Netherlands, Bournemouth identified Milos’ potential and moved for the left back in the 2023 summer window, sealing a deal for a reported £18m fee.  After beating off strong interest from Portuguese giants Benfica, Bournemouth were convinced they had landed a gem.

Following the signing of the left-back, Bournemouth's chief executive Neil Blake described Kerkez as

“a talented young player with a great deal of potential.”. 

Life In Bournemouth

Credits - Liverpool Echo

Kerkez hit the ground running on the South coast. The left-back provided an injection of pace and tenacity to the Cherries’ left side.

Thriving under manager Andoni Iraola’s philosophy of high-intensity, high-pressing football, the left back made himself indispensable for the Spaniard’s side as Bournemouth thwarted their top-flight points record and secured a top half finish in the Premier League for just the second time in their history. 

Earning himself a place in the 2024/25 PFA Premier League Team of the Year, his performances alerted the attention of Europe’s top clubs, Liverpool and Manchester City taking a particular interest. 

Jamie Carragher was vocal in his admiration of the fullback’s performances at the Vitality stadium on Sky Sports. He stated,

“He’s aggressive, he’s got pace. Even when you look at him, he looks like a full-back. Really aggressive bombing up and down the left side. “He’s been superb since he’s come into the Premier League and he’s certainly one to watch in the future whether he stays or moves on because he’s made that much of an impact.”

How He Compares?

Statistically, Kerkez compares well to Liverpool’s vice-captain. Last season, he led Robertson in various key areas such as interceptions per 90, possession won per 90, distance covered and most notably, assists. 

Like Robertson in his prime, Kerkez thrives when given license to get forward, receiving the ball on the overlap and whipping early, dangerous crosses into the box. He brings a touch more unpredictability, often cutting inside or driving at defenders, showing flashes of a winger’s mentality due to his capabilities to play further afield. 

BBC Radio Solent’s Bournemouth commentator drew on similarities between the pair upon the Hungarian’s arrival, stating –

“If they want that style of full-back, then Kerkez has already shown he can do it in the Premier League.”

What's Next?

Credits -This Is Anfield

The challenge for Kerkez now lies in translating his Bournemouth form and obvious talent into the structure of Arne Slot’s Liverpool side. Where Robertson’s game evolved from raw energy into measured aggression under Klopp, Kerkez must undergo a similar transformation under Slot’s stewardship.  The Dutchman’s philosophy demands full backs who are not only dynamic on the overlap, but also comfortable stepping inside to operate as midfielders during possession phases. 

At Bournemouth, Kerkez was given free rein to surge forward into open space, exploiting the width and pressing high to regain possession. At Liverpool, those same instincts must now be channelled within a far more intricate tactical framework. Under Slot, timing is everything. When to advance, when to tuck in, and when to support the midfield rather than stretch play. As seen with his first few months in Liverpool red, there are areas which need developing in his game.  

Slot’s full backs have a dual responsibility that relies on intelligence as much as athleticism. For Kerkez, that means patience, repetition, and learning to pick his moments rather than relying purely on instinct. If he can master that balance, his pace, stamina, and aggression could make him an invaluable weapon on the left side of Liverpool’s evolving system.

If history tells us anything, it’s that Liverpool fans love a left-back who wears their heart on their sleeve and gives their all week in, week out. At just 21 years of age, time is firmly on his side. All he needs now is patience and the platform to prove that he could be Liverpool’s next great left-back.