Liverpool have more and more been linked to Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, however who’s he and what may he provide Arne Slot‘s aspect?
Switch targets are by no means off the information agenda, and in current days we’ve seen the Reds linked to Kerkez, with a report in Hungary claiming that “the events are certainly in negotiations.”
Liverpool are anticipated to be out there for a left-back in 2025, with Andy Robertson turning 31 in March and Kostas Tsimikas approaching 29.
A protracted-term choice will likely be wanted, and with Kerkez’s title now rising, let’s take a more in-depth take a look at what he may provide.
Who’s Milos Kerkez?
Age: 21Height: 5’9″ (1.8m)Nationality: Hungarian
Kerkez’s profession thus far has taken him from Serbia to Austria, Hungary and Italy in his youth profession to the Netherlands and now the Premier League as a full-time skilled.
He joined Bournemouth final summer time from AZ Alkmaar for a reported price within the area of £15 million – Liverpool had been credited with curiosity on the time.
The Reds’ present sporting director Richard Hughes oversaw the switch of the younger left-back, who has amassed 119 senior video games at membership degree so far.
Kerkez was born in Serbia however selected to signify Hungary as a young person, and he has since gone on to play 21 occasions for the latter, lining up alongside Dominik Szoboszlai in every of his appearances.
The 21-year-old has scored 5 objectives and notched 15 assists in his profession for membership and nation so far.
The left-back was beforehand on the books at AC Milan however left as a result of he “needed to play,” a nod to his character. He additionally stated of himself that he “simply can’t sit nonetheless, I’m stuffed with power.”
Kerkez likes to take up superior positions on the left and run on the opposition, fairly in step with how he describes himself!
Strengths and weaknesses
Based on FBRef, Kerkez is within the 88th percentile in opposition to different full-backs for share of dribblers tackled and seventy fifth for progressive carries.
He additionally averages 1.67 touches within the penalty field (66th percentile), a determine which has, understandably, decreased throughout his time with Bournemouth. Previous to his transfer, he averaged 2.35 touches.
Nonetheless, the numbers present Kerkez’s proclivity for taking over attacking positions, however that he’s additionally simply as adept at efficiently stopping the opposition once they run at him.
Robbie Mustoe, former Middlesbrough midfielder now turned commentator, stated of Kerkez: “He’s one in every of them that appears actually cozy going ahead, actually good left foot, however defence too.
“Should you simply watch the way in which he performs, he’s obtained a bit of fireside in his stomach and he’s sort of an aggressive defender as effectively.
“I had a fast look down the highest of the Premier League desk taking a look at their left-backs, I don’t assume there’s many higher than this man.”
Assessing the 21-year-old after his two assists in Bournemouth‘s win in opposition to Man Metropolis earlier this month, Mustoe predicted that within the subsequent yr or two he will likely be at a top-four membership.
He’s, understandably, not the completed product having solely simply turned 21. Kerkez is uncooked and has enhancements to make.
Notably, his disposal effectivity must be improved as he ranks within the thirty seventh percentile for move completion, whereas he’s additionally not sturdy within the air and is responsible of holding the ball too lengthy.
Traits that Slot may definitely deal with.
Becoming in at Liverpool
As abovementioned, Robertson and Tsimikas are both over the age of 30 or edging ever nearer, and the left-back function will want an injection of youth within the close to future.
Liverpool have the likes of Luke Chambers, Owen Beck and Calum Scanlon on their lists, they usually every had an opportunity to impress Arne Slot throughout pre-season earlier than heading out on mortgage – although Chambers and Scanlon are presently injured.
All have their upside however, as Mustoe famous, Kerkez “appears like Robertson at his peak. Good going ahead and an aggressive defender.”
It’s a transfer away from the hybrid defender we’ve seemingly focused and been linked to in recent times, one who can play comfortably at centre-back alongside his left-back duties.
Kerkez, although, does seem like an thrilling rising expertise and he may have two seasons of Premier League expertise below his belt come Could – invaluable in relation to settling in.
There’s a gap for a left-back to usurp Robertson as first-choice, which Tsimikas himself has been threatening, and Kerkez may definitely be a contender if they will prise him away from Dean Court docket for the correct value.
