New Delhi: With the January transfer period approaching, clubs have been looking at talents that could fill the gaps in their squads. For the teams outside the top six, this period means some of their most impressive players of the season so far will soon be making an exit.
This could definitely be true for Bournemouth, as Milos Kerkez’s transfer links are getting louder every day. The left-back arrived at the club last season from the Dutch club AZ Alkmaar. He had an impressive last season and has shown consistency, irrespective of how his team has performed. However, the Cherries could soon be seeing his back as Manchester United and Liverpool have both shown interest in him.
🚨 Liverpool hope to beat Manchester United to the January signing of Milos Kerkez, who Bournemouth value at £40m.
(Source: @CaughtOffside) pic.twitter.com/RaZfq2cJcL
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 2, 2024
According to reports, the Liverpool boss is keen on having the 21-year-old in his squad with those concerned about the transfer in the stage of negotiations. Liverpool were long known for searching for a left-back as Andy Robertson turns 31 soon and Kostas Tsimikas also closes upon 29.
Kerkez’s youth career saw him move from Serbia to Austria, Hungary, and Italy before his senior career started taking shape in the Netherlands AZ Alkmaar. He has six goals and 15 assists across his club career. Last season, during his transfer to Bournemouth, Liverpool also showed some interest.
Milos Kerkez playing style
One of the primary reasons he has garnered so much attention is his defensive technique, though often not as highlighted as his attacking flair. Under Andoni Iraola’s pressing style, the Hungarian fits well with his ambitious runs. However, when he has to make recoveries, it is the mix of his pace and determination that makes him so successful when the attack breaks down.
This is one of the reasons he is good in a one-on-one situation. Further, Kerkez is able to cover big gaps during the transition, which makes him a key for any team that wants to play their full-backs in an advanced position. While he may not be the most physically well-built player, he has the ability to use his body well to shield the ball. This lets him recover possessions even when his stamina may have fallen.
His tackles are clean, but Kerkez knows how to place himself in a challenge to win back the ball. Along with his improving tactical awareness, his timing and clean execution work well in tandem. The positional intelligence is also aiding him to know the timing of committing forward and holding his line as well. The area he needs to improve is his aerial combat, along with his use of arms to derange his opponents, which may not go well with referees.
Kerkez’s attacking skill
Kerkez’s attacking power makes him one of the most exciting full-backs in the upcoming generation from Europe. Last season he made 13 goal contributions, which is a great insight in his ability in the final third. He can make a pin-point cross from a tricky situation and drive sharply in the box.
As a dribbler Kerkez is technically correct and dynamic. Apart from showcasing fearlessness in one-on-one situations, he is brilliant in tight spaces and open field runs which plays well to limit and put pressure on defenders in the opposition. It is the versatility which makes Kerkez dangerous in attack.
Wishing Milos Kerkez a very happy 21st birthday! 🎂🎈
Let’s relive his two assists against the champions 🤩🔥 pic.twitter.com/KALueDWd5P
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) November 7, 2024
This gives him the ability to fit in different tactical plans as a traditional full-back, wing-back or, at times, even as an advanced winger. Plus, his shooting skill and brilliant shot volume make him a threat in the goal box, as was witnessed during Bournemouth’s win against Wolverhampton Wanderers. It is often not so easy to find a skill in defenders.
Iraola’s high-energy, counter-pressing has transformed Kerkez’s playing style to a large extent. Kerkez is key in Iraola’s plans as the Spanish manager has used the Hungarian international’s attacking style in his proactive style. A lot of the attention he is getting in the Premier League is down to how he has performed over the last year in Bournemouth. While there is still no confirmation of Kerkez’s future destination, it is clear he will bring a lot of value to his side.
Both Liverpool and Manchester United have shown interest in making a move for Milos Kerkez during the January transfer window. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
