Liverpool have already begun reshaping their full back options this summer with the headline grabbing exit of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid and the arrival of Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen to cover the right. But on the left flank, eyes are turning to a different potential shift with the arrival of Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth.
Andy Robertson’s legacy at Anfield is secure. Since joining from Hull in 2017, he has been one of the Premier League’s standout full backs. However, the Scot is now 31 and entering the final year of his contract. While he played a key role in Liverpool’s title winning campaign with 45 appearances this season, his creative output has dropped sharply. He has managed just four assists in the last two seasons compared to 26 in the two years before that.
Though Robertson remains a reliable and experienced presence, Liverpool’s move for 21 year old Milos Kerkez signals a clear intent to look ahead.
A Breakout Year at Bournemouth
Kerkez arrived in England from AZ Alkmaar in 2023 and took time to adjust to the pace and intensity of the Premier League. But in 2024 and 2025, he blossomed under Andoni Iraola. He made all 38 league starts, scored twice, and added five assists which are impressive numbers for a young full back in a transitional Bournemouth side.
Beyond the stats, Kerkez’s evolution was clear. His chance creation nearly doubled from 0.5 to 0.9 per 90 minutes, his defensive work improved with interceptions per 90 up from 0.9 to 1.2, and his aggressive front footed style began to shine.
“I had to grow fast,” Kerkez told The Athletic earlier this year. “You can’t switch off here. If you’re not focused, you’re punished. I worked hard on my defensive awareness, and now I feel I’m contributing at both ends.”
That mentality of prioritizing defending before attacking is something Liverpool fans will appreciate, especially as the Reds prepare to field the ultra offensive Frimpong on the right side.
Defensive Solidity Meets Offensive Drive
Kerkez doesn’t just run hard. He runs smart. Only three players recorded more sprints in the league this season, and his mix of overlapping and underlapping runs gave Bournemouth a consistent outlet. His 132 open play crosses ranked third among Premier League full backs, behind only Antonee Robinson and Pedro Porro. His 35 successful crosses were second only to Robinson.
His ability to time his runs and pick out teammates was on full display in Bournemouth’s 2 to 1 win over Manchester City last November. He outfoxed Phil Foden to set up Antoine Semenyo and later delivered a pinpoint assist for Evanilson.
Against Newcastle in January, he capped a dominant team performance with a last minute goal. He surged forward in added time, beat Kieran Trippier, and calmly finished past Martin Dubravka.
Numbers That Back the Hype
Statistically, Kerkez holds his own against more seasoned names. His true tackle success rate sits at 66.7 percent which is better than both Robertson at 60 percent and Alexander-Arnold at 55 percent. His progressive carries per 90 minutes are 3.9 which also edge out Robertson at 3.2 and Tsimikas at 2.4. This shows his capability to move the ball up the pitch with confidence.
There is room for growth though. His pass accuracy at 80.4 percent lags behind Liverpool’s current left backs. Robertson is at 88 percent while Tsimikas is at 91.1 percent, reflecting Bournemouth’s more direct style. Still, nearly 59 percent of his completed passes came in the opposition half which is evidence of his forward thinking game.
Bridging the Gap
Kerkez is not the finished article, but at 21 he does not have to be. With Robertson still around to provide leadership and rotation, Liverpool could manage the perfect blend of youth and experience on the left flank.
Should the Hungarian make the move to Anfield, he will not just be seen as depth. He will be expected to develop into a long term cornerstone of the team. If his growth continues at the same pace, Liverpool may have another top class full back on their hands for the post Robertson era.
Being one of just six outfield players to start every Premier League game this season says a lot. Kerkez does not just show promise. He is proving he belongs.
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