David Lynch: Is Bournemouth’s Star a Fit for Liverpool? | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Transfer Strategy: Analysing Milos Kerkez as a Potential Target

Liverpool’s transfer rumour mill has recently linked the club with Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez. David Lynch, a seasoned Liverpool reporter, shared his insights on his YouTube channel, shedding light on this speculation and assessing the Hungarian international’s suitability for Anfield.

Do Liverpool Need a New Left-Back?

David Lynch began by tempering expectations. “I didn’t really get huge encouragement that anything is close for Liverpool… pouring cold water on the idea that he is a definite target for January,” he clarified. While acknowledging that left-back could become a priority in future transfer windows, Lynch believes January is unlikely.

“Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas have been performing solidly,” Lynch argued. Despite a “small dip” in Robertson’s form, his performance against Aston Villa showcased his enduring quality. As for Tsimikas, Lynch praised him as “really good,” underlining the idea that Liverpool’s current left-back options aren’t a pressing concern.

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Instead, Lynch speculated that Liverpool may prioritise midfield reinforcements, a position “they tried to address in the summer.”

Statistical Comparison: Kerkez vs Robertson

When it comes to defensive metrics, Lynch noted Kerkez’s promising stats. “Kerkez is winning 59% of challenges compared to Robertson’s 48%,” he highlighted. Similarly, Kerkez leads in aerial duels (35% to Robertson’s 16.7%) and tackles won (51% to Robertson’s 40%).

However, Lynch identified a gap in attacking contributions. “Robertson ranks eighth among Premier League full-backs for expected threat, while Kerkez is 302nd,” he explained. Expected threat measures how often players move the ball into dangerous areas through passing or carrying. This disparity raises questions about Kerkez’s ability to thrive in Liverpool’s possession-heavy system.

Lynch also highlighted Kerkez’s “1.49 miscontrols per 90 minutes compared to Robertson’s 0.71” and a passing accuracy of 78% versus Robertson’s 83%. These figures suggest Kerkez may lack the technical finesse required to replicate Robertson’s success at Liverpool.

Is Kerkez Worth the Price Tag?

Value for money is another sticking point. Lynch drew comparisons with past signings, noting, “Robertson cost £8 million from Hull City, and Tsimikas £12 million.” In contrast, the rumoured £40 million fee for Kerkez seems steep, especially for a player Lynch described as needing “a lot of coaching in attack.”

He added: “Robertson’s upside when he joined was in attack. Coaches feel they can teach defending, but technical and creative skills are harder to develop. Kerkez is the other way around—defensively strong but lacking attacking prowess.”

Conclusion

David Lynch’s comprehensive analysis suggests that while Milos Kerkez shows promise, his attacking deficiencies and high price tag make him an uncertain fit for Liverpool at this time. As Lynch summarised, “You’re going to have to see a lot more development between now and the end of the season for Liverpool to go anywhere near that sum to sign him in the summer.”

Liverpool fans will undoubtedly watch closely to see if Kerkez can evolve into a complete full-back worthy of replacing Robertson in the future. Until then, the club appears focused on other priorities, with midfield reinforcements likely to top their January wishlist.