Milos Kerkez Silencing the Doubters at Last

There is a familiar pattern in modern football, young player arrives for big money, expectations go through the roof, patience disappears within weeks. Milos Kerkez has lived that reality since his £40m move from Bournemouth, and at times it has felt like every mistake was magnified beyond reason. The irony is that his recent performances suggest the foundations were always there, it just required time, structure, and a bit of perspective.

David Lynch, speaking to Dave Davis for Anfield Index, summed up the mood around Kerkez perfectly after Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Marseille. “I cannot get my head around people being so willing to write him off so soon.” It is hard to argue with that. Full backs are among the most exposed players on the pitch, especially in a system that demands attacking output and defensive discipline in equal measure.

Even the early weeks were not as bleak as social media suggested. “Even at the start of the season, there was still some good performances like in the home games against Arsenal and Everton.” Those games showed flashes of the modern full back Liverpool thought they were buying, aggressive in the press, brave in possession, and willing to overlap relentlessly.

Context Behind Kerkez’s Struggles

Kerkez did not arrive into a stable environment. New teammates, new system, and an intense spotlight created a difficult platform to build confidence. Add to that the pressure of the price tag and the comparison culture, including Jamie Carragher’s brutal comment about it being “like having Darwin Nunez at left-back”, and it was always going to be a test of character.

What often gets lost is that development is rarely linear. “All of the qualities were there and it was just about putting it all together.” That is the reality of elite coaching, turning raw tools into consistent output. Kerkez looked rushed early on, sometimes caught between pressing and positioning, but the fundamentals never disappeared.

Lynch also made a wider point about fan culture. “These days people just want to slam young players, but it was so obvious that he had the quality.” Football discourse has become immediate and unforgiving, leaving little room for growth or adjustment.

Marseille Performance as Turning Point

The Marseille match felt like a statement. Kerkez was calm, aggressive, and decisive, both defensively and in possession. “He’s now getting used to his teammates and he’s starting to look like himself and he is a brilliant, brilliant player.” That familiarity matters. Timing runs, understanding pressing triggers, knowing when to hold width, these are learned behaviours.

Perhaps the most telling moment came in the one on one battles. “Greenwood only ever got any change from going inside to get away from Kerkez because he locked him down so much.” That is exactly what Liverpool need from their full backs, dominance in wide areas without constant cover.

Role of System and Support

It is also worth noting that Kerkez is not thriving in isolation. “I thought Frimpong was equally good on the other side too.” Balance across the back line creates confidence, and Liverpool’s current setup suits attacking full backs who stretch play.

“I really like them in this system where they are the players providing the width.” That system places Kerkez in his natural habitat, high, aggressive, and constantly involved. It removes hesitation and gives him clear responsibilities.

Kerkez’s story feels like a reminder rather than a revelation. Talent does not vanish overnight, and confidence cannot be fast tracked. His performance against Marseille did not come from nowhere, it was the product of gradual adaptation and trust.