As the January transfer window edges closer, it is a time for the clubs outside of the traditional top six to start reading about the unwanted outgoings of their top stars.
This has very much been the case for Bournemouth supporters with Milos Kerkez.
The left back arrived on the south coast from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar as a determined, baby-faced teenager for an undisclosed fee last season, looking to make his break in the world’s most-watched football league.
So far, the Hungarian has impressed supporters and shown tremendous growth during his short time at the club, leaving Cherries fans purring when he has the ball at his feet.
Unfortunately for Bournemouth fans, other clubs have started noticing his current ability and potential too, leading to Kerkez being linked to giants like Manchester United and Liverpool.
So, what is all the fuss and why is Kerkez being held in such high regard?
VAVEL explores his top qualities and how he fits into Bournemouth’s system so well here.
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Defensive abilities
Kerkez’s defensive game, while occasionally overshadowed by his attacking flair, is an essential aspect of his skill set and one that has blossomed in recent years.
The Hungarian is no stranger to the various demands of modern high-intensity systems, such as Andoni Iraola’s aggressive pressing style at Bournemouth and the AZ Alkmaar structure that garnered him much attention.
Fans of either club will be familiar with his ambitious bombing runs when his teammates are on the offensive, but it is his pace and determination that is key when making recoveries once the attack breaks down, making him a daunting prospect in one-versus-one situations.
The Hungarian defender is quick to cover gaps left in transition, a vital trait for teams relying on advanced full-backs, so he is a player who does not lack plenty of work rate and stamina.
Despite not being physically imposing, he uses his body effectively to shield the ball and recover possession in moments when he cannot use his pace to do so.
When it comes to tackling, it is often clean but Kerkez has not been averse to throwing himself into a challenge to win the ball back, which is almost always greeted by jeers and cheers by both supporters.
His timing and clean execution of tackles are complemented by an evolving tactical awareness and positional intelligence, as he learns when to commit forward and when to hold his line, something that has become very evident just during his time at Bournemouth.
There is still much room for growth, particularly in aerial challenges and his use of arms to disrupt opponents, which may sometimes be too close to the line for some referees.
While he occasionally risks leaving spaces behind him, Kerkez’s pace, work rate and positional adaptability allow him to mitigate these lapses, making him a well-rounded defender suited to high-tempo football and a player who has all the potential to play at the highest level.
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Forward play
Kerkez’s attacking prowess is the hallmark of his game, setting him apart as one of the most exciting young full-backs in Europe and arguably the feature that has attracted such high-level attention.
His 13 goal contributions last season (five goals and eight assists) highlight his ability in the final third, whether delivering dangerous crosses or driving incisively into the box.
A technically sound and dynamic dribbler, Kerkez is fearless in one-on-one situations, excelling in tight spaces and open-field runs alike and terrifying defenders responsible for stopping him.
His pace and relentless overlapping runs often create two-versus-one situations on the flank, consistently putting opposition defences under pressure with quick overloads.
But what makes Kerkez especially dangerous is his versatility in attack.
While he often hugs the touchline to stretch defences and deliver fast crosses, he is equally comfortable tucking inside to combine with midfielders or thread a decisive final pass, which makes him a pleasure to have on your side as a midfielder.
This dual threat enables him to adapt to varying tactical set-ups, whether as a traditional full-back, a wing-back, or even an advanced winger - something often lacking in the modern footballing world.
His shooting ability and high shot volume make him an additional goal threat - another rarity amongst defenders.
Kerkez’s offensive contributions are tailor-made for a high-press system, where full-backs are expected to be active participants in attacking transitions.
While his attacking focus can occasionally leave him exposed defensively, his tireless engine and tactical intelligence ensure that he recovers quickly, making him an invaluable asset at both ends of the pitch. It will only get better with time, too.
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Kerkez under Iraola
Since arriving at Bournemouth Kerkez has showcased why he is one of Europe’s most sought-after young left-backs.
Under Iraola’s high-energy, counter-pressing system, Kerkez has thrived, quickly becoming a standout performer in the team.
His ability to combine defensive solidity with attacking dynamism has made him a critical piece of Iraola’s tactical puzzle, with his style perfectly aligned with Iraola’s aggressive and proactive philosophy.
In a system where full-backs are expected to contribute heavily in both defence and attack, the Hungarian’s relentless energy, sharp positional awareness, and fearless dribbling are key for 'Iraolaball'.
His overlapping runs create overloads on the left flank with Luis Sinisterra or Dango Ouattara, allowing Bournemouth to stretch opponents and exploit space.
Additionally, his willingness to drift inside during build-up phases showcases his tactical intelligence, providing passing options and fluidity to Bournemouth’s attacks.
His performance in Bournemouth’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United last season highlighted this versatility and earned him many plaudits.
Starting as a left-back and later moving forward, he combined solid defensive contributions with attacking intent, executing Iraola’s demand for adaptability and forward-thinking play during the game.
Similarly, in the 2-1 triumph over Manchester City a few weeks ago, his two assists demonstrated how integral he is to Bournemouth’s offensive transitions.
Beyond the assists, Kerkez’s ability to maintain intensity late into the game - an area Iraola previously highlighted for improvement - proves his growing suitability for the demands of the Premier League.
His development under this framework cements his reputation as one of the Premier League’s most exciting young players, perfectly embodying Bournemouth’s evolution into a forward-thinking, high-octane side.
It is no wonder why so many clubs have started looking his way as they look to bolster their squads this January.
