Liverpool have more and more been linked to Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, however who’s he and what might he supply Arne Slot‘s facet?
Switch targets are by no means off the information agenda, and in current days we now have seen the Reds linked to Kerkez, with a report in Hungary claiming that “the events are certainly in negotiations.”
Liverpool are anticipated to be available in the market 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 identify now rising, let’s take a more in-depth take a look at what he might supply.
Who’s Milos Kerkez?
Age: 21
Top: 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 season 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 up to now.
Kerkez was born in Serbia however selected to signify Hungary as an adolescent, 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 up to now.
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 vitality.”
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
In line with 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.
However, the numbers present Kerkez’s proclivity for taking over attacking positions, however that he’s additionally simply as adept at efficiently stopping the opposition after 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 comfortable going ahead, actually good left foot, however defence too.
“When you simply watch the best way he performs, he’s acquired a bit of fireplace in his stomach and he’s type of an aggressive defender as nicely.
“I had a fast look down the highest of the Premier League desk 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 go completion, whereas he’s additionally not robust within the air and is responsible of holding the ball too lengthy.
Traits that Slot might 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, and so they every had an opportunity to impress Arne Slot throughout pre-season earlier than heading out on mortgage – although Chambers and Scanlon are at present injured.
All have their upside however, as Mustoe famous, Kerkez “appears to be like like Robertson at his peak. Good going ahead and an aggressive defender.”
It’s a transfer away from the hybrid defender we now have seemingly focused and been linked to lately, one who can play comfortably at centre-back alongside his left-back duties.
Kerkez, although, does look like an thrilling rising expertise and he could have two seasons of Premier League expertise beneath his belt come Could – invaluable relating to settling in.
There may be a gap for a left-back to usurp Robertson as first-choice, which Tsimikas himself has been threatening, and Kerkez might definitely be a contender if they will prise him away from Dean Courtroom for the precise worth.
