Milos Kerkez is under no illusions about the challenge of establishing himself at Liverpool, but the Hungarian left-back believes he has the perfect role model alongside him.
When Liverpool spent £40 million to prise Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth this summer, it always felt like more than just another squad addition. At 21, the Hungarian was viewed as a long-term investment, one capable of reshaping Liverpool’s left flank for years to come. What was less clear was what that meant for Andy Robertson, a figure who has defined the position for nearly a decade.
So far Arne Slot has offered his answer. Kerkez has been preferred to Robertson in each of Liverpool’s first three league fixtures, with the Scotland captain restricted to cameos from the bench. It marks a changing of the guard at Anfield, yet the dynamic between the two has been anything but hostile.
For Kerkez, Robertson has been not only a competitor, but also a mentor.
“Obviously, you can say he’s a legend here already and he did a lot of amazing stuff,” Kerkez told Stadium Astro after the 1-0 win over Arsenal before the international break.
“For me it’s great to have someone like that and of course we are talking. He helps everyone, not just me, he’s the vice-captain and he’s really holding the locker room well. For me, I’m honoured to have someone like that next to me, so I can continue to improve in the coming years also. He’s going to help me in that.”
Robertson’s decision to remain at Liverpool this summer was not inevitable. With his starting place under threat and serious offers from abroad, many expected the 30-year-old to seek a fresh challenge. Instead, he doubled down on his commitment, taking on the vice-captaincy under Slot.
Jeremie Frimpong, another of Liverpool’s summer recruits, has already spoken about Robertson’s willingness to ease new signings into life at Anfield. It is a quality Kerkez has also felt first-hand.
For a player adapting not only to a new club but also to the demands of a manager implementing a high-pressing, possession-heavy system, that support has been crucial.
Unlike some of Slot’s other signings Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Giorgi Mamardashvili Kerkez arrived from within the Premier League. Yet that has not meant a seamless adjustment.
The Hungarian endured some difficult early moments, particularly in the intensity of transition play, but showed marked improvement against Arsenal, where he largely nullified the threat of Noni Madueke.
“It’s a couple levels above any league, you could see the intensity [against Arsenal],” Kerkez explained.
“I think everyone was a little bit out of breath after 15 minutes already, because it was up and down. That’s the Premier League, it’s big games. And you need to have big lungs for this league, especially for these games. It’s levels above any league.”
For a young defender, there can be few more demanding yardsticks than Andy Robertson. Since arriving from Hull City for just £8 million in 2017, the Scot has become one of the pillars of Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool. He has lifted every major trophy available, contributed 57 assists in the Premier League, and helped redefine what a modern full-back could be.
Robertson’s story – from relegation battles with Hull to Champions League finals with Liverpool – has made him one of the club’s most relatable figures. His work rate and leadership qualities have ensured enduring respect inside the dressing room.
Kerkez recognises this not as a threat, but as an opportunity. “He helps everyone, not just me,” he said. “He’s the vice-captain and he’s really holding the locker room well. For me, I’m honoured to have someone like that next to me.”
The early signs suggest Slot views Kerkez as the long-term starter, but the season is long and the Scot’s experience will be vital in the months ahead. Liverpool’s decision to name Robertson vice-captain behind Virgil van Dijk – reflects that.
Liverpool return from the international break with a trip to Turf Moor to face Burnley. Kerkez is expected to keep his place, having started all three of Liverpool’s league fixtures so far. It is another test of his ability to adapt quickly, to prove that his strong display against Arsenal was not a one-off.
Robertson, meanwhile, waits in the wings. Into his ninth season at the club, his role may be evolving, but his influence remains undiminished.
