Milos Kerkez electrifies the pitch as Liverpool’s rising star left-back. Fans and analysts rave about his explosive pace, relentless energy, and seamless blend of defensive grit with attacking flair that propels him into the spotlight during the 2025-2026 season.
Early Life and Roots
Milos Kerkez bursts onto the football scene with a backstory that captivates anyone who follows his journey from a young talent in Serbia to a key player in England’s top flight. Born on November 7, 2003, in Serbia to Serbian parents, Kerkez grows up immersed in the vibrant football culture of his homeland, where kids kick balls in every street corner and dream of European glory from an early age.
However, at just 10 years old, he packs his bags and moves to Austria, joining Rapid Wien’s renowned youth academy, a decision that his family makes to nurture his raw potential and expose him to higher-level coaching and competition that Serbia’s local setups simply cannot match at that stage.
Moreover, Kerkez quickly stands out in Rapid Wien’s system, dazzling coaches with his natural left-footed precision, tireless stamina, and ability to read the game ahead of his peers, qualities that propel him through the ranks faster than most expect.
Consequently, scouts from across Europe begin to take notice, recognizing that this Serbia-born youngster possesses the tools to thrive in top-tier professional Celtic vs VfB Stuttgart football, setting the stage for his rapid ascent through clubs that value versatile, high-energy defenders like him. As he hones his skills in Austria, Kerkez also grapples with his international identity, eligible for both Serbia and Hungary due to his upbringing and family ties, but he ultimately chooses Hungary, a choice that reflects his deep gratitude for the opportunities he finds there and his desire to represent a nation that embraces him fully.
Youth Career Breakthroughs
Kerkez dominates in Rapid Wien’s youth teams, showcasing a maturity beyond his years that leaves opponents scrambling and coaches plotting ways to unlock even more of his potential in every training session and match he plays. He captains sides, scores from set pieces with pinpoint accuracy, and delivers assists that highlight his vision and crossing ability, all while maintaining a rock-solid defensive presence that shuts down wingers twice his size without breaking a sweat.
Transitioning seamlessly from Austria, scouts from AZ Alkmaar spot his talent during a youth tournament, convincing the Dutch club to bring him into their famed academy system in 2020, where they cultivate young players into first-team stars with a focus on technical prowess and tactical intelligence that Kerkez absorbs like a sponge. At AZ Alkmaar, he progresses through the U21 ranks, making nine appearances in the Netherlands’ second tier and even tasting senior football with five outings in the 2021-2022 Eredivisie season, experiences that sharpen his decision-making under pressure and teach him the nuances of high-pressing systems that define modern European football.
Furthermore, Kerkez logs time with ETO FC Gyor in Hungary’s second division during the 2020-2021 season, racking up 16 league games that provide crucial minutes and help him build resilience against physical, gritty opponents who test his Hibernian Sign Dane mettle every single match. By the time he breaks into AZ’s first team in 2022, Kerkez already boasts a resume filled with diverse experiences across borders, proving that his early moves pay dividends as he evolves into a complete left-back ready for bigger challenges ahead.
Rise at AZ Alkmaar
Kerkez explodes into stardom at AZ Alkmaar during the 2022-2023 season, seizing every opportunity manager Pascal Jansen gives him and turning heads with performances that blend ferocious tackling, surging runs down the flank, and contributions in the final third that directly influence game outcomes.
He notches 33 Eredivisie appearances, scores three goals, and adds to his tally with five total strikes across 52 outings, including a memorable winner against Kieron Bowie Sparta Rotterdam on August 14, 2022, at Het Kasteel, where he slots home in the 65th minute to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory that cements his reputation as a clutch performer under the brightest lights.
AZ Alkmaar thrives with Kerkez anchoring the left side, as his high work rate—covering vast distances and sprinting relentlessly—complements their possession-based style, while his defensive recoveries and interceptions keep opponents at bay time and again. Benfica circles with interest, reportedly willing to meet a €20 million fee, but AZ holds firm, recognizing the gem they have and betting on his continued growth to fetch even higher returns down the line.
Throughout this period, Kerkez matures tactically, learning to overlap with wingers, deliver whipped crosses into dangerous areas, and track back with lightning speed to thwart counterattacks, skills that coaches praise effusively and teammates rely on match after match. As a result, he attracts attention from Premier League clubs, but AZ’s faith in his development pays off handsomely when Bournemouth swoops in during the summer of 2023, marking the end of a transformative chapter where Kerkez evolves from promising youth to established pro.
Premier League Arrival at Bournemouth
Bournemouth snaps up Kerkez from AZ Alkmaar in the build-up to the 2023-2024 Premier League season, injecting fresh energy into their squad with a player whose pace and directness perfectly suit the league’s intensity and demand for full-backs who contribute at both ends of the pitch.
He debuts swiftly and adapts remarkably, Rybakina vs Sabalenka playing 28 league games in his first season while chipping in two goals across 31 total appearances, proving that the jump from Eredivisie to England’s top flight poses no insurmountable hurdle for his athletic profile and mental toughness. Kerkez dazzles with his high-energy approach, ranking in the top five for distance covered at 233.4 miles and total sprints at 843 among all Premier League players in the 2024-2025 season, a statistic that underscores his “DNA to run up and down” as he himself describes it with infectious enthusiasm.
Bournemouth benefits immensely, as he racks up 74 appearances over two seasons, delivers eight assists alongside those two goals, and grows into a fan favorite known for his explosive overlaps, precise deliveries, and unyielding defensive duels that win crucial balls in the final third. During 2024-2025, he elevates further with 38 league outings and two goals, solidifying his status as one of the league’s most improved players and drawing admiring glances from elite clubs who covet his rare combination of stamina, skill, and swagger. Consequently, his time at Bournemouth transforms him into a Premier League-proven talent, ready to step up to a club like Liverpool where his attributes shine even brighter.
Blockbuster Transfer to Liverpool
Liverpool secures Kerkez’s signature on June 26, 2025, for a £40 million fee that reflects his meteoric rise and the premium on versatile left-backs Motherwell F.C. who dominate both defense and attack in Arne Slot’s high-octane system.
The club heralds him as a strategic addition, replacing aging options and injecting youth with a player whose 21 years belie the experience he packs from stints across Europe and two solid Premier League campaigns. Kerkez signs a long-term deal, donning the number 6 shirt, and immediately immerses himself in Liverpool’s culture, posting updates on Instagram @miloskerkezofficial to nearly one million followers who track his every move with bated breath.
Under Slot, who guides him through 20 appearances by early 2026 with a 45% win rate across 9 wins, 1 draw, and 10 losses, Kerkez logs 13 Premier League games, 4 Champions League outings, 2 League Cup matches, and 1 Community Shield start, showcasing his adaptability to the Reds’ pressing game and wide attacking play.
He scores once against Crystal Palace at Wembley on August 10, 2025, in the Community Shield, and assists in a 31-45 minute window against Brentford on October 25, 2025, moments that highlight his growing influence in big games against Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle, and even European giants like Galatasaray, PSV, Atletico Madrid, and Real Madrid. This transfer marks a pivotal moment, as Kerkez embraces Anfield’s roar, forges bonds with stars like Salah and Van Dijk, and positions himself as a cornerstone for Liverpool’s title ambitions.
Playing Style and Strengths
Kerkez thrives as a modern full-back who attacks with the ferocity of a winger and defends with the tenacity of a center-back, combining blistering pace, pinpoint crossing, and an insatiable appetite for covering every blade of grass on the pitch during 90 grueling minutes. He relishes dual responsibilities, surging forward to whip in crosses that create chaos in the box—12 passes into dangerous areas leading to assists in recent stats—and snapping Scott Wright back to execute 82 tackles won and 43 interceptions that dismantle opposition moves before they gain momentum.
Analysts laud his high-energy DNA, evident in rankings for sprints and distance, which allow him to bomb forward relentlessly while maintaining positional discipline that Slot demands in Liverpool’s fluid 4-3-3 setup. Moreover, Kerkez excels in one-on-one duels, using his 180 cm frame, left-footed precision, and explosive acceleration to beat full-backs or midfielders, often cutting inside to shoot or link with midfield maestros.
His vision shines in progressive passes and key deliveries, while his work rate off the ball pressures opponents into errors, turning defense into attack in seconds. Weaknesses exist—like occasional overcommitment leading to gaps—but he compensates with intelligence and recovery speed, evolving into a complete player whose stats scream elite potential at age 22.
International Journey with Hungary
Kerkez pledges his international future to Hungary despite Serbian roots, honoring the youth levels where he cuts his teeth and earns call-ups that culminate in senior caps starting with a full 90 minutes as left wing-back in a stunning 1-0 win over Germany on September 23, 2022, in Leipzig, a debut that announces him as a national team mainstay.
He progresses through Hungary U17 and U21 squads, building chemistry and tactical nous before Slot calls him up for Nations League duty against England in June 2022, where he sits on the bench but absorbs the atmosphere of elite internationals. Hungary benefits from his club form, deploying him in high-stakes qualifiers and friendlies where his runs and crosses unlock defenses, while his defensive solidity shores up flanks against top Aberdeen vs Hibernian European sides. As of 2026, Kerkez anchors Hungary’s left side in World Cup qualifiers and Nations League campaigns, scoring and assisting in key moments that boost their ranking and dreams of major tournament glory.
This choice fuels his drive, as he reps the Magyars with pride, drawing on his multicultural background to inspire teammates and fans alike.
Liverpool Season Stats 2025-2026
Kerkez anchors Liverpool’s left flank masterfully in the 2025-2026 campaign, starting 15 matches across competitions while subbing in five times and getting subbed off seven, balancing heavy minutes with rotation that keeps him fresh for crunch fixtures.
He faces elite opposition head-on: 264 minutes against Crystal Palace, 90 each versus Arsenal, Galatasaray, PSV, Manchester United, Newcastle, Everton, plus shorter bursts against West Ham (85), Nottingham Forest (68), Bournemouth (60), Chelsea (55), Burnley (38), Manchester City (34), Southampton (9), Sunderland (4), Atletico Madrid (4), and Real Madrid (2), proving his mettle in 12 home, 7 away, and 1 neutral venue.
| Competition | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists |
| Premier League | 13 | 10 | 0 | 1 |
| Champions League | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| League Cup | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Community Shield | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Total | 20 | 16 | 1 | 1 |
Kerkez contributes decisively, netting that Community Shield goal and the Brentford assist, while his underlying metrics—tackles, interceptions, passes into the box—position him as indispensable to Slot’s win machine.
Achievements and Milestones
Kerkez collects accolades rapidly, from AZ Alkmaar’s Eredivisie top-flight breakthroughs and that debut goal to Bournemouth’s survival pushes where his eight assists prove pivotal, culminating in Liverpool’s marquee signing that values him at €63.9 million market worth.
He marks personal milestones like the Germany international win, Premier League sprints leader status, and Anfield debuts against giants, all while building a trophy cabinet hungry for Premier League titles, Champions League glory, and international triumphs with Hungary. Fans celebrate his journey, from youth captaincies to senior stardom.
Off the Pitch: Personal Life
Kerkez engages fans through Instagram, sharing training clips, matchdays, and glimpses of his grounded life that reveal a 22-year-old who balances stardom with humility, family values, and passions beyond football like music and travel. Raised with Serbian grit and Austrian polish, he stays connected to roots, supporting youth academies and mentoring talents, while his market value soars alongside his profile.
Future Prospects and Legacy
Liverpool envisions Kerkez as their left-back for the next decade, evolving under Slot into a Ballon d’Or contender who leads title charges and international quests, his trajectory pointing toward superstardom if he sustains this blistering pace and refines his end product.
Experts predict contract extensions, captaincy whispers, and transfers north of £100 million if rivals poach, but Anfield remains his destiny.
FAQs
Who is Milos Kerkez and what position does he play?
Milos Kerkez, a 22-year-old professional footballer born in Serbia on November 7, 2003, excels as a left-back or left wing-back for Liverpool FC and Hungary’s national team. He dominates with explosive runs, precise crosses, and tenacious defending, earning rave reviews since his Premier League debut with Bournemouth in 2023. Currently valued at €63.9 million, Kerkez represents the archetype of the modern full-back who influences games at both ends of the pitch while covering immense distances—top five in sprints and miles logged last season—and contributes goals and assists that elevate his teams.
What clubs has Milos Kerkez played for in his career?
Milos Kerkez builds an impressive resume across Europe, starting in Rapid Wien’s youth academy after leaving Serbia at age 10, then shining at AZ Alkmaar with 52 appearances and 5 goals in 2022-2023, followed by two transformative seasons at Bournemouth where he logs 74 games, 8 assists, and 2 goals. Liverpool signs him for £40 million in June 2025, deploying him 20 times across competitions by early 2026, including Champions League clashes against Real Madrid and Atletico. Earlier stints include ETO FC Gyor (18 apps) and AZ U21 (9 apps), showcasing his versatility from second divisions to elite leagues.
Why does Milos Kerkez represent Hungary internationally despite Serbian birth?
Milos Kerkez chooses Hungary due to formative years in their youth systems after moving through Austria, debuting for the senior side with a full 90-minute performance in a 1-0 Nations League upset over Germany in 2022. Eligible for Serbia via birth and parents, he opts for the Magyars who nurture him from U17 to U21 levels, earning call-ups like the bench spot against England and anchoring their left flank in qualifiers. This decision fuels his passion, as Hungary embraces his multicultural background and rewards his loyalty with key starts.
What are Milos Kerkez’s stats for Liverpool in 2025-2026?
Milos Kerkez features prominently in Liverpool’s 2025-2026 season under Arne Slot, amassing 20 appearances with 16 starts across 13 Premier League games, 4 Champions League, 2 League Cup, and 1 Community Shield. He scores once against Crystal Palace at Wembley on August 10, 2025, assists against Brentford on October 25, and logs minutes against Arsenal, Man Utd, Newcastle, Chelsea, Man City, and European foes like PSV and Real Madrid. His win rate stands at 45% (9W-1D-10L), with top metrics in tackles (82 won), interceptions (43), and box passes (12).
How did Milos Kerkez perform at Bournemouth?
Milos Kerkez thrives at Bournemouth from 2023-2025, playing 28 league games with 2 goals in 2023-2024 across 31 apps, then 38 league outings with 2 more goals in 41 total for 2024-2025. He racks up 74 appearances, 8 assists, and leads Premier League full-backs in distance covered (233.4 miles) and sprints (843), powering their survival and mid-table finishes with overlaps, crosses, and defensive recoveries that showcase his adaptation to English football’s pace and physicality.
What is Milos Kerkez’s playing style and key strengths?
Milos Kerkez embodies the high-energy full-back, sprinting tirelessly (top 5 in PL sprints), delivering 12 passes into the box for assists, winning 82 tackles, and making 43 interceptions per recent data. His left foot whips crosses, he surges forward like a winger, tracks back with speed, and reads plays astutely in Liverpool’s pressing system. At 180 cm, he excels in duels, progressive carries, and stamina that covers every pitch inch.
When did Milos Kerkez join Liverpool and for how much?
Liverpool signs Milos Kerkez on June 26, 2025, from Bournemouth for £40 million, installing him as their long-term left-back solution with the No. 6 shirt. The move follows his breakout PL seasons, aligning perfectly with Arne Slot’s tactics, and boosts his market value to €63.9 million amid Champions League and title pushes.
What are some key achievements of Milos Kerkez?
Milos Kerkez boasts a winner vs. Sparta Rotterdam for AZ in 2022, Community Shield goal for Liverpool in 2025, PL sprints leader status, Hungary’s Germany upset debut, and 9 career goals across 156 apps. His £40m Liverpool transfer and near-1M Instagram followers highlight his rise from youth pro to elite talent.
How tall is Milos Kerkez and what is his preferred foot?
Milos Kerkez stands at 180 cm tall with a left preferred foot, leveraging his height for aerial duels and explosive left-footed crosses that terrorize defenses. This profile suits his wing-back role, enabling overlaps, shots, and deliveries in Liverpool’s attack.
What is Milos Kerkez’s social media and fan following?
Milos Kerkez connects with fans on Instagram @miloskerkezofficial, nearing 1 million followers where he shares training, matches, and life updates. His engaging presence builds a global fanbase that tracks his Liverpool exploits and Hungary caps
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