Report: Liverpool planning tactical shift with Premier League full-back | OneFootball

Milos Kerkez: Liverpool’s Left-Back Solution and the Mendes Blueprint

Liverpool’s search for full-back reinforcements appears to be entering its final phase, and Milos Kerkez is the name on every informed tongue. The 20-year-old Hungarian international, currently at Bournemouth, is expected to make the move to Anfield in a deal reported to be worth around £42 million.

It’s a figure that might raise eyebrows, but context matters. At just 20, Kerkez boasts two full Premier League campaigns, European experience, and a style of play that fits Jürgen Klopp’s — or perhaps Arne Slot’s — vision for the modern full-back.

The Mendes Parallel

If you’re looking for a comparison, look no further than Nuno Mendes. The Portuguese star joined PSG with promise but rawness, known primarily for his attacking instincts. Fast forward two seasons, and he’s arguably the best two-way full-back in Europe. It’s no coincidence that Liverpool scouts see Kerkez following that trajectory.

Mendes refined his game under the lights of Paris: stronger in the challenge, sharper in his positioning, and smarter in transition. Kerkez, similar in build and athletic profile, already possesses the raw ingredients — pace, strength, and an aggressive front-foot mentality. What he needs is the right ecosystem to flourish, and Liverpool might just provide that.

Why Liverpool Need Him

The left-back position has become an evolving puzzle. Andy Robertson remains a fan favourite, but injuries and tactical shifts have made it clear the Scot can’t do it all on his own. Kostas Tsimikas has struggled to make a consistent impact, while Joe Gomez’s versatility can’t paper over the cracks long-term.

Kerkez brings something different — a high-energy, attacking full-back who can also hold his own defensively. His performances at Bournemouth have been mature beyond his years. He started 38 games in the 2024/25 season, rarely showing signs of fatigue or inconsistency.

Slot’s anticipated 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 systems depend heavily on width from full-backs. Kerkez offers natural width, overlapping runs, and an eye for link-up play with inside forwards — a crucial element for players like Florian Wirtz or Luis Díaz (should he stay).

The Stats Behind the Promise

In the past Premier League season, Kerkez averaged:

That puts him among the top under-23 full-backs in the league across several metrics. But stats only tell part of the story. Kerkez’s tenacity, discipline, and confidence in possession give Liverpool something they’ve lacked since Robertson’s peak.

What Comes Next?

While nothing is official yet, the expectation is clear: Liverpool want Kerkez, and Kerkez wants Liverpool. The fee is high but reflects both talent and future-proofing — a hallmark of the Michael Edwards recruitment model.

If and when the deal is confirmed, the Hungarian will likely walk into the starting XI. Robertson’s influence might gradually wane, with Kerkez taking the reins on the left. His development will be watched closely, and comparisons with Mendes will persist. But Liverpool fans may just find that in Kerkez, they’ve secured their left-back for the next decade.

Final Word

Liverpool are not just investing in a full-back; they’re investing in evolution. As Arne Slot begins his tenure, expect to see a more dynamic, pace-driven system — and Milos Kerkez could be at the heart of it. Whether bombing forward to assist Salah or tracking back to snuff out danger, Kerkez embodies the future of Liverpool’s defence.