Inside Kerkezs Debut…

Milos Kerkez is well aware of the challenges ahead. The Liverpool defender has bounced back from a rocky start at Anfield to become one of the club’s standout players. However, with the esteemed Andy Robertson set to leave this summer, Kerkez recognizes that it’s time for him to build his own legacy.

“He truly is a legend,” Kerkez commented to ESPN regarding Robertson. “The best left-back in Premier League history, in my opinion. I firmly believe that considering his energy, commitment, and ability to assist. It’s simply astounding.”

The outstanding nature of Robertson’s tenure at Liverpool has made Kerkez’s own journey even more challenging since transferring from Bournemouth for £40 million last summer. Almost a year into his Merseyside experience, the 22-year-old is still younger than Robertson was when he made his own move from relegated Hull City in 2017.

Kerkez, a 31-cap Hungary international, was encouraged by the legendary Paolo Maldini to join AC Milan at the age of 17 in 2021. His resume is already impressive, including a spot in the 2024-25 PFA Team of the Year, following a series of stellar performances at Bournemouth. Still, with Robertson’s unwavering popularity highlighted by the cheers he received after a brilliant goal against Crystal Palace last weekend, Kerkez acknowledges he has to prove himself to the Liverpool fans as an adequate replacement for the Scotsman.

“Robbo’s a crucial player who has done so much for the club,” Kerkez stated to ESPN. “Ultimately, we were in competition for playing time this season, but there’s no animosity. He welcomed me and provided me with a lot of support.”

“He shared crucial advice with me. Observing these players, you naturally want to learn from them, and when it’s your turn to succeed them, you need to be prepared. I understand that this is significant. He contributed a lot to the club, and I recognize I have substantial shoes to fill in the future. I will give my utmost.”

This strong determination has characterized Kerkez throughout a challenging season for Liverpool. He demonstrated his gritty persona when he attempted a unique head tackle during a preseason match against Preston North End last July—an early sign of his unwavering commitment that has already won him favor among fans who expect nothing less than full effort.

“I always want people to remember that I gave 110% whenever I played,” he emphasized. “I’m beginning to grasp what it means to play for this club, to bear the responsibility of wearing the shirt and badge. I’m really enjoying it a lot now.”

Kerkez has stepped into the role of Liverpool’s primary left-back in recent months. The high expectations that come with succeeding an accomplished predecessor have surely weighed heavily, but inconsistent displays early in the season drew criticism, with Manchester United legend Gary Neville labeling him as appearing “like a youth team player” following Liverpool’s October loss to Chelsea.

“To be honest, I don’t pay much attention to that,” Kerkez commented when asked about the effect of early scrutiny. “The media plays a significant role, especially in England. Everyone has their opinions, but I stay focused on the pitch. I know my abilities, what kind of player I am, and my purpose at Liverpool.”

“I believe I will grow from those experiences. They will provide valuable learning opportunities for me. I chose to remain quiet, and everyone within the club has supported me well. I genuinely want to improve and continuously get better. This season has been about growth for me, learning new things, and adjusting.”

“The initial two or three months were challenging concerning playing style and game volume. My body needed to adapt as well. However, with time, I have settled in, and things are improving. I’m content that I’ve now found my place and can perform consistently.”

Kerkez isn’t the only new face at Liverpool who required time to acclimate. Other summer signings like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong are still working hard to match their previous heights at Bayer Leverkusen, while injuries have hindered the £125 million transfer Alexander Isak from enhancing his reputation as one of Europe’s top forwards.

The left-back also shares a close bond with Mohamed Salah, who is set to conclude his illustrious Liverpool career this summer. Kerkez can often be seen socializing with Salah and countrymate Dominik Szoboszlai at the AXA Training Centre in Kirkby, enjoying outings to London and downtime at Salah’s Cheshire home.

“When Mo joined Liverpool, I was living in Austria while in the academy at Rapid Vienna,” recalls Kerkez. “I was quite young and began watching Liverpool frequently around that time. Now, I’m part of the team. He always emphasizes a connection with players from the Balkan region.”

“We are close, the three of us. Salah welcomed me warmly—much like everyone else—but he has taken me under his wing in a more personal manner. He has assisted me significantly, not only on the field but also socially. I’m incredibly grateful for that. With just a month left, I know I will miss him tremendously.”

“He possesses an abundance of experience, but what truly sets Salah apart from others is his professionalism. It’s astonishing. I haven’t seen that level of dedication in any other player—his commitment to fitness, healthy eating, and focus on performing well on the pitch is remarkable. That’s something I’ve aimed to learn from him this year.”

In February, Kerkez captured the internet’s attention when he posted a photo of Salah’s personal trophy collection on social media, showcasing a replica of the 2019 Champions League trophy along with the PFA Player of the Year award—an accolade Salah has won a record three times. This impressive collection highlights the accomplishments of a player who is sure to receive immense recognition in the coming weeks.

“I asked Mo whether he had ever shared that picture online so others could see it,” Kerkez recounted with a smile. “He replied no, so I suggested I should take a picture and post it later. We went to London together, and I decided to share it while we were there. It’s pretty cool, right?”

“It’s definitely harder for me to amass individual trophies since I’m a full-back. He’s scored many goals. But seeing all the team trophies he has won, I think as a young player: ‘Wow.’ It motivates you to train harder, compete more vigorously, and ultimately win things with the team.”

With Liverpool no longer in contention for the Premier League, FA Cup, or Champions League, Kerkez will have to wait to add a trophy to his personal collection. Nevertheless, with the team aiming for a top-five finish and a spot in next season’s Champions League, he remains optimistic for the future.

“I believe the future looks promising,” Kerkez expressed. “We have great talent within the team. I think we are starting to connect better, but next season will be even stronger. We understand the need for improvement.”

“There are many ambitious players in the squad. Naturally, we will miss the leadership of the veterans with their experience and insights. However, we must learn, move forward, and strive for a significantly better season ahead.”