Starting his career as a striker, Milos Kerkez has built a reputation as a talented defender. His record for seven goals last season (2 goals, five assists) is the second highest among left-backs in the Premier League, behind Fulham's Antonee Robinson (9 assists).
If Kerkez wants to thrive at Liverpool, that number is expected to increase. The Hungarian was brought to Anfield to compete and then took over from Andy Robertson. Robertson has established himself as one of the best left-backs in Premier League history for eight seasons at Anfield.
Only Trent Alexander-Arnold, with 64 assists in the Premier League, ranked above Robertson (60) in the list of defenders with the most assists in the history of the tournament. And while Robertson's form is declining, he has set the standard for Liverpool's left-back.
In terms of statistics, Kerkez and Robertson have quite similar results in the previous season. The Liverpool new signing created eight big chances against Robertson's seven, making 412 passes in the final third of Robertson's 359 and 166 passes in advance of Robertson's 235 passes.
Kerkez is better than Robertson in the number of assists (5 compared to 1), although the 31-year-old player is the one with the better chance of assisting (4.26 xA compared to 2.58 xA).
Defensively, there was little difference between the two, with Kerkez winning 53.5% of his one-on-one duels (compared to Robertson's 47.7%) and winning 39.4% of his tackles (compared to Robertson's 37.3%).
At 21, Kerkez still has plenty of time to develop and could benefit from training with an experienced defender like Robertson. However, there is still uncertainty over the future of the Scotland international, whose contract at Anfield expires in 2026 and is attracting the attention of Atletico Madrid.
Kostas Tsimikas - who started 18 matches for Liverpool in all competitions last season - could also leave before the transfer window closes. Leeds United are one of the potential candidates to recruit Tsimikas.
With a significant transfer fee, expectations are high when Kerkez starts at Anfield. Especially if Robertson decides to seek a new challenge this summer. However, the Hungarian has proven his ability, with Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola being one of the people who praised his development.
"Milos Kerkez has improved a lot compared to last season, and I think he did very well defensively," Iraola said in March, after Kerkez ran 43.6m from home to assist Marcus Tavernier to score in the 2-2 draw between Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur.
"I think he is a player, with his good physical condition, who is often present in the final third to make passes. The number of assists and passes he made was quite low last season. But this season, I think he has made a much better decision.
He is adding quality to his passes. He was calmer in the final third," Iraola added.
Just days before the Kerkez transfer deal to Liverpool was confirmed, the 21-year-old had reason to celebrate. He was shortlisted for the PFA Young Player of the Year award.
Kerkez is one of six Premier League players nominated for the award. His former Bournemouth teammates Dean Huijsen and Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly are also nominated.
The fact that Kerkez was shortlisted once again reminds the defender's talent. That is also the reason why Liverpool are willing to spend a lot of money to recruit Kerkez.
Coach Arne Slot spoke last month about the need to add a "weapon" to his team. There is therefore a belief at Anfield that Kerkez's speed and dynamism will become the driving force as The Kop seek to defend their Premier League title.
"I had a talk with the head coach. We discussed tactics and plans and he saw where I could improve, as well as how I could help the team.
When a coach comes and speaks directly to you, it is a sign of great respect. For me, after that conversation, I have no doubt about going somewhere else. The choice is always Liverpool," Kerkez said at his Liverpool debut.
