An expert's view on Milos Kerkez: Energy, style of play, attacking threat and more

AnalysisAn expert's view on Milos Kerkez: Energy, style of play, attacking threat and more

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By Joe Urquhart

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Get an expert's view on the skills Milos Kerkez will bring to Arne Slot's Liverpool squad after his transfer from fellow Premier League side AFC Bournemouth.

The left-back put pen to paper to seal a move to the champions last week, linking up with the Reds following two campaigns in England with the Cherries.

For a further lowdown on the Hungary international, Liverpoolfc.com spoke to Bournemouth Daily Echo football journalist Alex Smith.

Read on for his summary of how Kerkez developed on the south coast and the specific attributes he can offer to Liverpool…

Thank you for chatting to us, Alex. Firstly, can you give us some background on Milos' arrival at Bournemouth and the initial expectations when he made the transfer?

The Cherries completed the signing of Kerkez ahead of Serie A outfit Lazio, which was perhaps a signal of how highly he was rated, so there was some excitement around his arrival on the south coast.

His success at AZ Alkmaar at such a young age was encouraging and his move helped to plug gaps in the Bournemouth squad, which demonstrated that he was expected to slot in early on, which he did, playing 33 times in his first season in all competitions.

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How did his Bournemouth career progress in its initial stages?

He went straight into the starting XI in what was a shaky start for the side under head coach Andoni Iraola. However, he quickly established himself in the team as the Cherries built momentum under their new boss, and he started most of the games he played in the league in his first season, growing along with the team.

He did only provide two assists in his first season, which was perhaps a slightly disappointing return given his output for AZ the season before, but that was something he worked on last season - and that really showed in the Premier League (two goals, five assists).

And what about his style of play? If anyone has not seen him before, how is it best described?

Energetic. Kerkez is very fit - he had to be to play week in, week out in Iraola's team - but he played the vast majority of minutes and started every game for Bournemouth last season. He's quick and has an excellent final delivery, some of his assists were superb last term.

There are a couple that epitomise Kerkez - his assist for David Brooks' Goal of the Season nominee against Everton, and his assist for Marcus Tavernier against Tottenham, which had to be up there with one of the assists of the season on the whole.

The former saw him overlap high up the pitch and put in a first-time cross for Brooks to volley home, while the latter saw him intercept a pass as Spurs attacked just outside the Bournemouth box, before surging into the Tottenham half to produce a wonderful cross for Tavernier to finish at the far post.

How did Iraola utilise him? What kind of system is he used to?

Iraola's system is centred on energy - he wants a high press and needs the whole XI to contribute. They then look to break at speed - something Kerkez was key in. His overlapping runs were vital in overloading the opposition's half in transition and his final delivery was potent.

Iraola often described his side as a 'volume' team in terms of chances, so Kerkez was often high up the pitch and putting in multiple dangerous crosses a game.

Bournemouth enjoyed an impressive season in the Premier League last year, finishing ninth - how important was he in that achievement?

Very. He was the only player to play in every game of the campaign and that says a lot - he was excellent across the season and was vitally important in each match.

How do you see him fitting into Slot's system at Anfield?

I think he'll do well. He's used to playing a supporting role for wingers and being involved in attacks, and with the potent Liverpool forward line I think he'll fit right in, and they can really benefit from his crossing.

Defensively he is also good - the home game against Liverpool last season showed his ability in dealing well with Mohamed Salah, and it was a bit of Salah brilliance which helped win Liverpool that game - but I'm sure Slot and his coaching team will have been encouraged by that showing too!

At 21, he appears to have a lot of experience already, featuring heavily in the Premier League and being a regular for Hungary at international level?

Yes - the number of appearances he has collected at the top level in the past three seasons has been hugely impressive and perhaps shows experience beyond his years.

He also received a nomination for the PFA Young Player of the Year award, which is an impressive achievement…

Absolutely, it was hugely deserved, too. He and Dean Huijsen – who is now at Real Madrid - were both excellent in what was a record-breaking defensive season for the Cherries and the nominations were a fine reward for an outstanding campaign.

Lastly, is there anything else you'd like to add about Kerkez or anything you think we should know?

He was, for a time, having his hair cut by Justin Kluivert at training! That resulted in some very suspect trims - so if there are any budding barbers in the Liverpool squad, he may well give them a go!

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