Milos Kerkez is a professional footballer who plays as a left-back for Liverpool FC and the Hungary national team. Born on November 7, 2003, in Vrbas, Serbia, Kerkez chose to represent Hungary internationally and has quickly ascended to become one of the premier left-backs in the Premier League. As of January 2026, he is a mainstay in Arne Slot’s Liverpool side, having joined the club from Bournemouth in a high-profile transfer during the summer of 2025. Known for his explosive pace, aggressive overlapping runs, and high defensive intensity, Kerkez has effectively succeeded Andy Robertson as the long-term solution on the left flank at Anfield. His current market value is estimated between €55M and €70M, reflecting his status as a key component of a team currently challenging for both domestic and European honors.
Early Career and Rapid Rise
Milos Kerkez’s path to the Premier League was marked by bold moves and a relentless desire for first-team football.
AC Milan and AZ Alkmaar
After a stint in the youth ranks at Rapid Wien and Győr, Kerkez was personally recruited by Paolo Maldini for the AC Milan Primavera side in 2021. However, recognizing limited pathways to the senior team behind Theo Hernández, he made a strategic move to AZ Alkmaar in 2022. It was in the Eredivisie that Kerkez truly flourished, showcasing his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively, which eventually earned him a move to Bournemouth in 2023.
The Bournemouth Breakthrough
Kerkez arrived in the Premier League with Bournemouth for a fee of approximately £15.5 million. During his two seasons at the Vitality Stadium, his statistics for successful tackles and progressive carries placed him among the top young defenders in Europe. His performances against “Big Six” clubs made him a primary target for Liverpool, who were looking for a high-energy left-back to fit Arne Slot’s tactical system.
Liverpool Transfer and 2026 Impact
In July 2025, Liverpool secured Kerkez’s signature in a deal worth £42 million, signaling a new era for the Reds’ defense.
Succeeding Andy Robertson
Entering the 2025/26 season, Kerkez was integrated as the primary left-back, allowing the veteran Andy Robertson to take on a rotational role before his eventual move to Tottenham. Kerkez’s transition has been seamless, largely due to his familiarity with the high-pressing style demanded by Slot. As of late January 2026, he has recorded 4 assists in the Premier League, often linking up effectively with the likes of Luis Díaz and Cody Gakpo.
Tactical Role in 2026
Under Arne Slot, Kerkez operates as a “vertical engine.” While Trent Alexander-Arnold often inverts from the right, Kerkez is given the freedom to hug the touchline and provide maximum width. This tactical asymmetry allows Liverpool to overload the midfield while maintaining a constant threat on the left wing. His defensive recovery speed has also been crucial in preventing counter-attacks, a key metric where he has outperformed his predecessors this season.
Hungary National Team Leadership
Despite being born in Serbia, Kerkez’s commitment to Hungary has made him a national icon and a leader for the “Magyars.”
International Debut and Growth
Kerkez made his debut for Hungary at just 18 years old and has since become one of the first names on Marco Rossi’s team sheet. His partnership with Dominik Szoboszlai is not just limited to the national team but has now become a core connection at Liverpool. In 2026, he is considered a veteran of the squad despite his young age, having participated in the 2024 Euros and played a major role in Hungary’s World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign.
2026 World Cup Ambitions
As Hungary pushes for a deep run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Kerkez’s fitness and form are seen as paramount. He provides a level of athleticism in the wing-back position that is rare for Hungary, allowing the team to switch between a back-four and a back-five mid-game. His mental toughness and “warrior” persona on the pitch have endeared him to the Hungarian fans, who often travel in thousands to see him play at Anfield.
Practical Information and Player Profile
For fans and analysts tracking Milos Kerkez’s career metrics and 2026 schedule.
- Current Club: Liverpool FC (Number 3)
- Nationality: Hungarian (Dual Serbian)
- Contract End: June 2030
- Market Value: €65 Million
- Key Attributes: Acceleration, Tackling, Stamina, Crossing
- Where to watch: Premier League matches on Sky Sports/TNT Sports; International matches on UEFA.tv.
Statistical Breakdown: Kerkez vs. Robertson
The 2025/2026 season has witnessed a symbolic “passing of the torch” on Liverpool’s left flank. Data from the first half of the campaign highlights why Arne Slot has increasingly preferred the Hungarian over the veteran Andy Robertson.
Defensive Dominance and Recovery
One of the most telling metrics in 2026 is the “True Tackle” success rate. Kerkez currently maintains a 61.3% success rate in individual challenges, significantly higher than Robertson’s 48% during the same period. His recovery speed is a vital asset in Slot’s high-line system; Kerkez has recorded a top speed of 31.03 km/h this season, allowing him to track back and dispossess elite wingers—most notably during his “Player of the Match” performance against Arsenal in early January.
Attacking Output and Overlaps
While Robertson was known for his “whipped” crosses, Kerkez offers a more direct, high-volume attacking threat. In 2025/26, Kerkez has led the Premier League in overlapping runs (over 240), consistently providing width for Luis Díaz to cut inside. Statistics show that 58.8% of Kerkez’s successful passes now occur in the opposition half, a figure that rivals the playmaking numbers of right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The “Hungarian Duo”: Kerkez and Szoboszlai
The 2025 transfer didn’t just bring a new left-back to Anfield; it reunited one of international football’s most potent “chemistry pairs.”
A Friendship Forged in Germany
The bond between Kerkez and Dominik Szoboszlai dates back to Kerkez’s first call-up to the Hungarian national team. At the time, Kerkez was hesitant to speak Hungarian, and Szoboszlai immediately switched to German to make him feel welcome. This “big brother, little brother” dynamic has translated perfectly to the Liverpool pitch, where the two are frequently seen coordinating tactical shifts and celebrating goals with synchronized routines.
On-Field Synergy
Tactically, the “Szobo-Kerkez” connection is a nightmare for opponents. Szoboszlai’s ability to find Kerkez with cross-field diagonal balls has become a staple of Liverpool’s 2026 attacking play. Off the pitch, the duo’s popularity has skyrocketed, with their “Beat The Clock” challenge on Sky Sports becoming one of the most-viewed club features of the year, showcasing their lighthearted competitiveness and deep mutual respect.
Hungary’s Leader and 2026 World Cup Prospects
At just 22 years old, Kerkez is already a “veteran” for Hungary, serving as the defensive heartbeat of Marco Rossi’s squad.
The Defensive Anchor
For the national team, Kerkez often plays as a left wing-back in a 3-4-2-1 formation. This role maximizes his stamina, as he is required to cover the entire length of the pitch. His performance in the recent Nations League matches against Germany and Italy solidified his reputation as an elite one-v-one defender, capable of neutralizing world-class attackers through sheer physical persistence and positional intelligence.
Leading by Example
While Szoboszlai wears the captain’s armband, Kerkez is viewed as the “emotional leader” of the defense. His decision to choose Hungary over Serbia—motivated by his grandmother’s heritage and his father’s wishes—has made him a beloved figure in Budapest. As Hungary prepares for the 2026 World Cup, Kerkez is expected to be one of the tournament’s standout defenders, with scouts from Europe’s other “super clubs” keeping a close watch despite his long-term Liverpool contract.
FAQs
How many goals has Kerkez scored for Liverpool in 2026?
As of late January 2026, he has scored 1 goal in the Premier League and provided 4 assists across all competitions.
What is his weekly wage at Liverpool?
According to financial reports from early 2026, Kerkez earns approximately £75,000 per week on a contract that runs until June 2030.
Did he win any awards in 2025?
Yes, he was voted into the Premier League Fan Team of the Season and the The Athletic Team of the Season for his performances at Bournemouth and Liverpool.
Who is Kerkez’s best friend in the Liverpool squad?
While he is close with the whole squad, he has a documented “best friend” relationship with fellow Hungarian Dominik Szoboszlai.
What languages does Milos Kerkez speak?
He is a polyglot, speaking Serbian, Hungarian, English, and German fluently.
Why did he leave AC Milan?
He left AC Milan in 2022 because he wanted guaranteed first-team football, which was blocked by the presence of Theo Hernández.
Has Kerkez ever been sent off for Hungary?
Yes, he received a notable red card in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Bulgaria, a moment Szoboszlai famously joked about in subsequent interviews.
What is his market value in January 2026?
Following his rise at Liverpool, his market value is estimated to be between €55M and €70M.
Is he related to any other footballers?
Yes, his brother Marko Kerkez is also a professional footballer.
What does Arne Slot think of Kerkez?
Slot recently stated that Kerkez is getting “stronger and stronger” and praised his rapid physical and tactical adjustment to the Liverpool system.
How much did Liverpool pay for Milos Kerkez?
Liverpool signed Kerkez from Bournemouth in the summer of 2025 for a reported fee of £42 million.
Is Milos Kerkez Serbian or Hungarian?
He was born in Serbia to a Hungarian father and a Serbian mother; he chose to represent the Hungary national team.
What is Milos Kerkez’s shirt number at Liverpool?
He currently wears the number 3 jersey, which he took over after the 2025 summer reshuffle.
How old is Milos Kerkez?
As of January 2026, Milos Kerkez is 22 years old (Born November 7, 2003).
What are Milos Kerkez’s main strengths?
His primary strengths include extreme pace, aggressive defensive work rate, and his ability to provide accurate crosses while overlapping.
Did Milos Kerkez play for AC Milan?
Yes, he was part of the AC Milan Primavera (youth) team but left for AZ Alkmaar to secure first-team football.
Who is Kerkez’s agent?
He is represented by a prominent sports management agency that also handles several top Hungarian and Eredivisie players.
Is he playing in the 2026 World Cup?
Kerkez is a starting left-back for Hungary and is expected to be a key player in the 2026 tournament.
How many assists does Kerkez have for Liverpool?
By late January 2026, he had recorded 4 assists in the Premier League 2025/26 season.
What is Kerkez’s height and weight?
He stands at 176cm (5’9″) and maintains a highly athletic build optimized for explosive sprinting.
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