Deep dive on Milos Kerkez and how he compares to Andy Robertson

…and also the rest of the full-backs in the Premier League

Written on 22/05/2025

Liverpool are said to be the front runners to sign Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez in the summer transfer window. The Hungarian international has made it pretty clear through his social media actions that he would fancy a move to Anfield. However, while there may be a difference in valuation between the two clubs regarding the player’s price tag, it’s a matter that could potentially be resolved over time.

Liverpool have not signed a left-back since getting Kostas Tsimikas in 2020. Andrew Robertson is 31 now and has shown signs of slowing down while Tsimikas, although younger, hasn’t done enough to suggest he can take over the first-choice role in the team at left-back. So, it has made sense for the club to sign a new player in that position this summer.

Kerkez, a Serbian-born Hungarian international who was picked up by the AC Milan Academy in January 2021, made a move to AZ Alkmaar in January 2022 before Bournemouth signed him in the summer of 2023. He has been one of the Premier League’s most consistent left-backs over the last 18 months. With 65 Premier League appearances under his belt (over 5,000 minutes of playing time), the 21-year-old has done the mileage and looks ready to take the next step — which, hopefully, is a move to Liverpool this summer.

The next part of the article is about looking at the player with the help of data and what he could potentially offer to Arne Slot’s team at Anfield.

First up, let’s see how he fares up in key metrics among the Premier League defenders for 2024/25 season.

With close to 0.15 assists per 90 (six assists in 37 league appearances) and just over one pass into the opposition box per 90, Kerkez is producing at a respectable rate for a mid-table team, with clear scope for upscaling if he were playing for a better side (with all due respect to Bournemouth). For example, Liverpool have 10% more average possession than the Cherries this season.

Only four defenders in the league have a better rate than Kerkez in progressive carries, and the Hungarian also has decent returns in carries into the opposition box. It is a part of his game that he is comfortable with. Willing to carry the ball forward at every given opportunity and dash into the box whenever possible is something that comes naturally to him.