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Milos Kerkez: An Exciting Prospect, But Is He the Right Fit for Liverpool?

The name Milos Kerkez has sparked no shortage of excitement, confusion and fierce debate in Liverpool circles. The Hungarian full-back has become one of the most talked-about potential arrivals under Arne Slot, but the question remains — is he truly the answer on the left-hand side for this new era?

Having watched Kerkez closely, sifted through the data and visual analysis, and listened to a wide range of tactical breakdowns, I find myself on the fence. Not because he lacks talent. Quite the opposite. But because his profile, particularly in tandem with someone like Jeremie Frimpong on the opposite flank, raises questions about the balance of the Liverpool backline. And as much as fans like me want to trust the vision, the Premier League isn’t a league that offers second chances to teams who get the defensive structure wrong.

Creative Firepower from Deep

Let’s start with what’s undeniable. Milos Kerkez is an attacking force. A 21-year-old left-back with experience already in the Premier League with Bournemouth, he offers a proactive, forward-thinking presence on the flank that few full-backs can match for age and dynamism.

The raw numbers speak for themselves. He averages 3.79 crosses per 90, ranking in the 91st percentile among Premier League full-backs. He’s also up there for progressive carries, successful dribbles and shot assists. His underlying metrics around expected assists (xA), key passes and crosses place him among the most creative full-backs in the league. And when you consider Bournemouth’s limited possession stats (around 48%), those figures look even more impressive. This is a player creating from limited touches — not someone inflated by dominant team numbers.

His double assist performance against Manchester City wasn’t a fluke. It was a snapshot of what he does best: aggressive carries, brave dribbling, and accurate, early deliveries into the box. The assist against Spurs, where he intercepted deep, carried the ball nearly 44 metres, and then found the final pass, showed his ability to turn defence into attack in an instant.

Tactical Fit or Risky Gamble?

But as much as Kerkez’s attacking numbers jump off the page, there’s a nagging concern. How does this all work when paired with someone like Frimpong on the right?

If Liverpool were to start both Kerkez and Frimpong in a back four, they’d essentially be fielding two wing-backs in a traditional full-back role. Neither player is naturally conservative in their positioning. Both want to push high, invert or overlap, and commit defenders in the final third. That creates excitement, no doubt. But in the Premier League, that kind of dual aggression can become a liability if the midfield and centre-backs aren’t perfectly set up to cover.

We’ve seen it before. Teams get torn open in transition, and what looks thrilling in the attacking third becomes a tactical fragility at the back. Trent Alexander-Arnold, even with all his gifts, has needed balance around him to flourish. The same would apply tenfold if Slot plans to unleash Kerkez and Frimpong simultaneously.

Defending The Slot Doctrine

Still, we can’t ignore the context. Arne Slot just won the Premier League in his first season. He’s earned the right to implement his system and back the data-driven recruitment that clearly underpins Liverpool’s modern approach.

Kerkez isn’t being plucked from nowhere. This is a player with strong underlying metrics, high physical output, and a skill set aligned with positional play principles. His 56% tackle success rate, numerous box recoveries, and solid 1v1 record suggest he’s not a defensive liability — just someone who hasn’t played in a system where defence has been the focus.

At Bournemouth, he wasn’t shielded by elite midfielders or asked to dominate possession. Slot might see that and believe Kerkez has another level in a more dominant, structured team. The Dutchman favours aggression and verticality. If Kerkez is tasked with pinning wide players, creating overloads, and allowing inverted midfielders to dictate centrally, it could work — but it’ll require absolute cohesion across the pitch.

Player Worth Backing, With Caution

As fans, we want to trust this process. The data doesn’t lie — and Kerkez has plenty of it in his favour. He’s not just an athlete bombing up and down the flank. He reads danger well, times his runs intelligently, and can cross from deep or the byline. He’s a dual-threat creator who operates inside and out.

But potential doesn’t guarantee success, and excitement shouldn’t override structural logic. Kerkez could thrive, or he could expose a backline already under pressure to adapt without Virgil van Dijk in his prime, or without Fabinho shielding in front. Everything depends on how Slot deploys his midfield, and whether Liverpool will add a true defensive controller to offset this full-back ambition.

What we do know is that Kerkez is a project worth watching. He’s just 21, already has experience in multiple leagues, and brings traits Liverpool haven’t had on the left since Andy Robertson’s peak years. Whether he becomes a starter, a rotation piece or a long-term replacement, he adds depth to a position that was starting to stagnate.

Back The Recruitment, Watch The Balance

This is not a verdict on Milos Kerkez the player; he’s exciting, multi-dimensional and analytically impressive. But as someone who has watched Liverpool evolve under multiple managers, I know that full-back balance is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

If Kerkez is to succeed at Liverpool, he’ll need to be part of a well-oiled unit, not a solo act. That’s on Slot and his staff to figure out. Based on what they’ve achieved already, I’m willing to back them.

But I’ll be watching closely. Because if this bold approach clicks, it could be something special. And if not, Liverpool may learn the hard way that too much adventure can leave you wide open.

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