Kerkez hails Robertson’s influence as he settles into Liverpool role | OneFootball

Liverpool left back Milos Kerkez has praised Andrew Robertson for helping him through his early months at Anfield.

He described the Scotland captain as both a mentor and a competitor.

The 21-year-old joined Liverpool in a £40 million summer move from Bournemouth and wasted no time winning a place in Arne Slot’s starting line-up.

Kerkez has started six of Liverpool’s opening seven games this season, with the Hungarian seen as a long-term successor to club legend Robertson.

Robertson was heavily linked with a move to Atletico Madrid last summer. However, he chose to remain in Merseyside and see out the remainder of his one-year contract.

The Scottish international was ready to take on a back-up role and has started just one game for the Reds this season. He was preferred ahead of Kerkez for the Champions League opener against Atletico.

Rather than taking a step back, Robertson has been active in helping Kerkez adapt to the demands of playing for the Premier League champions.

Speaking about his relationship with Robertson, Kerkez said (via This is Anfield): “Before the game (on Saturday), he motivated me, told me: ‘Go outside and do your thing that you were doing last season’ so he gave me a bit of a push.

“Then, after the game, he congratulated me and told me that I should keep going like that. We are good.

“He’s a legend who did amazing things, won everything and still has quality. It’s not like he’s not here. He’s a squad player. This is Liverpool, we’re competing.

“He’s pushing me, I’m pushing him, and I think that’s important to have in a big club like this.”

Kerkez’s most convincing performance so far came in the Merseyside derby win against Everton, a week after he was taken off before half-time against Burnley.

While he admits his form has been inconsistent, he believes the support from teammates and Slot’s coaching will help him grow.

“I’m just here to do my job,” he added. “I want to improve, I want to give everything for the badge.

“Obviously you have to adapt, and the coach and the players are helping me a lot, so I’m improving a lot every day.

“I’m playing a bit different here than Bournemouth, but I’m not listening too much to outside noise.”