Milos Kerkez to Liverpool: What His Arrival Could Mean for the Left Flank | OneFootball

Milos Kerkez: The Future of Liverpool’s Left Flank

In recent months, Liverpool FC’s pursuit of Milos Kerkez has been one of the most talked-about transfer targets. With the Reds seeking a modern, energetic fullback to bolster their left side, Kerkez, the 21-year-old left-back currently playing for Bournemouth, has emerged as a potential long-term solution. In a recent episode of the Transfer Show podcast by Anfield Index, Jimi and Mark of xfb Analytics provided in-depth insights into why Kerkez could be a perfect fit for Liverpool.

Liverpool’s Left-Back Dilemma

As the 2024/25 season progresses, it has become increasingly evident that Liverpool’s left-back position needs rejuvenation. Andrew Robertson, while still a valuable asset in terms of leadership and experience, has shown signs of struggle in recent campaigns. As Mark notes, “Robertson has been struggling for quite a while now. His impact on the game and on the team’s performances has diminished.” Even though his leadership qualities remain crucial, it’s clear that Liverpool need a younger, more dynamic alternative.

In addition, Kostas Tsimikas, although a solid option, has not been able to fully convince manager Arne Slot, who is now looking for someone with the pace and technical ability to meet the demands of modern football. “It’s clear that not just the age profile but the quality of the player who starts most games as a left-back has to improve,” says Mark, further justifying the club’s pursuit of Kerkez.

What Milos Kerkez Brings to the Table

Kerkez’s attributes make him an ideal candidate for Slot’s high-energy system at Liverpool. Known for his attacking prowess and versatility, Kerkez can operate almost like a left-winger, delivering crosses, cutbacks, and making overlapping runs. “His energy level is one of his main skills,” says Jimi, adding that he is a “constant threat” going forward. Kerkez ranks highly in terms of sprints and kilometres covered, which is crucial for a fullback in Slot’s high-pressing, fast-paced style of play. Jimi even notes that Kerkez’s performance in physical metrics ranks him among the top wide defenders in the Premier League.

Moreover, his crossing ability stands out. Jimi highlights, “Crossing is one of his main skills. He delivered almost four crosses per 90 minutes this season.” His ability to deliver accurate cutbacks and long passes will be an invaluable asset for Liverpool’s attacking transitions. Given the club’s tendency to thrive on wide play, Kerkez’s attacking contributions will likely be a significant upgrade.

Areas for Improvement

Despite his impressive skill set, Kerkez, at just 21 years old, is still developing. One area where he can improve is his passing accuracy, particularly with short-distance passes. “His passing accuracy isn’t really that high,” acknowledges Jimi. This is an area where Liverpool’s coaching staff, particularly under Slot, will likely focus their attention. As Jimi points out, “his short passing, and being calm under pressure, will be key areas for development.”

Additionally, Kerkez’s defensive positioning can sometimes be questionable, particularly when tracking back. Mark mentions, “he needs to learn when to track back and when to cut inside.” However, these are all areas of his game that can be honed with the right coaching, and with his physical attributes and competitive nature, Kerkez has the potential to become one of Europe’s top fullbacks.

The Perfect Fit for Liverpool?

Both Jimi and Mark agree that Kerkez is a perfect fit for Liverpool’s system, especially given his ability to carry the ball forward, create chances, and contribute defensively. Mark likens him to a modern version of Andy Robertson at his peak: “He’s a very good ball carrier, and he can be a huge asset in attacking transitions.” His high-intensity work rate and energy are well-suited for Slot’s pressing game, and his versatility will allow Liverpool to adjust their tactics depending on the opposition.

Moreover, Kerkez’s maturity on the field belies his age. Jimi emphasises that “he is a very committed football player who wants to be as good as he can be,” noting that his family is supportive of his development, providing the stability often needed for young players transitioning to bigger clubs. “He trains really well, he takes care of his body,” Jimi adds, underscoring Kerkez’s professionalism and focus.

Conclusion

Milos Kerkez’s potential move to Liverpool is an exciting prospect for fans of the club. His modern fullback qualities, including his speed, crossing ability, and defensive contributions, make him an ideal fit for Slot’s system. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in passing and positioning, Kerkez’s raw talent and work ethic suggest he could be a key player for Liverpool in the years to come. As Jimi aptly puts it, “If we can sign him, he will be a huge and long-term upgrade on the left side.” With the Hungarian international already impressing in the Premier League, Kerkez could soon be ready to make his mark at Anfield.