MILOS KERKEZ spends his summers fishing in the woods, but might just be the Premier League’s biggest catch at the end of the season.
The eye-catching Bournemouth left-back has been a huge success story on the south coast and has attracted interest from Premier League leaders Liverpool.
GettyMilos Kerkez is on Liverpool’s radar[/caption]
Instagram / miloskerkezofficialKerez has been a stand out full-back with Bournemouth this season[/caption]
RexThe Serbian-born defender is unlike any character they have seen at Dean Court[/caption]
GettyKerkez scored the final goal of Bournemouth’s 4-1 demolition of Newcastle at St James’ Park last week[/caption]
While the Cherries are refusing to sell to anyone this month, there is an expectation that they will bank an almighty profit on the fiery full-back they signed for £14million.
Kerkez is a bundle of energy on the pitch and around his teammates.
The Serbian-born defender is unlike any character they have seen at Dean Court and is often making the most noise in the dressing room.
But that has not come as a surprise given that, when former club AZ Alkmaar qualified for the Europa Conference League he somehow found a megaphone and started celebrating with the fans.
From day one the Cherries knew they had a livewire on their hands.
Kerkez’s father once revealed that his son can be a difficult character to manage, but boss Andoi Iraola has managed to harness that spirit.
The 21-year-old is a constant menace with pace and energy to burn down the left – but still holds a passion for big challenges at the back.
It is the ideal mix for any manager in the Premier League.
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But Kerkez’s sporting talent has been clear from an early age.
Initially he wanted to be a professional swimmer before making the decision to go with football at the age of eight, playing in the streets with his two older brothers.
GettyKerkez is a big character in the Bournemouth dressing room[/caption]
GettyThe full-back found a megaphone and started celebrating with the fans at AZ Alkmaar back in 2022[/caption]
Brother Marko, three years older than Milos, plays professionally for Partizan Belgrade back in Serbia.
Having decided to go with football as his pursuit, Kerkez bounced around a number of clubs in his youth.
He spent time with local side Vrbas in Serbia before spells in Austria and Hungary with Rapid Vienna, Hodmezovasarhelyi and Gyor.
But at 17 things went up a step when Paolo Maldini called.
The Italian great, then AC Milan‘s sporting director, got in touch to say how much he admired Kerkez and reportedly flew out in a private jet to secure his signature.
Kerkez joined the Milan academy for a year and spent time training with the first team.
He had no real desire to leave Hungary or Gyor at that time, but could not say no to one of the greatest defenders of all time rolling out the red carpet.
GettyKerez joined the Milan academy for a year in 2021[/caption]
While with Milan’s academy he would face Liverpool youth sides in European games which featured Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah.
But despite the plush surroundings of Milan’s Milanello training base, and everything he learned in 12 months there, Kerkez took the decision to move again.
AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands were showing an interest and he knew a move there would mean matches – and what a decision it has proved.
After just one season in the Eredivisie and Europa Conference League with Alkmaar, bigger clubs came calling again.
Lazio and Benfica were both interested in deals, with the Portuguese side thinking they had an agreement in place.
But Bournemouth beat them all to it and are now reaping the rewards.
Kerkez arrived in the sleepy south coast town aged just 19 and was asked to step into a Prem game straight away following injury to Lloyd Kelly.
Iraola knew it was a lot for such a young player, and things did not always go to plan – with wingers played at left-back ahead of him at times during that first term.
The Cherries boss worked closely with Kerkez to improve his focus and tactical nous and the young defender credits Iraola with the huge steps he has taken this season.
ReutersKerkez credits Iraola with the huge steps he has taken this season[/caption]
GettyKerkez is best pals with Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai[/caption]
While his career path has been hectic and nomadic, and looks set for another big step in the summer, Kerkez’s down time is often much more relaxed.
He likes to leave his phone behind and head off camping and fishing in Serbia with close friends.
That might become rather more difficult if he starts spending his weekends bombing up and down the flanks at Anfield.
He told The Guardian: “I’ll be alone in a house, maybe with one friend, chill there, chop wood, make fire, camp, fish, that’s it, no phone.
“People want you to focus on football, but you need something else because when you come back you’re even more motivated.”
His close friendship with Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai could push him towards the league leaders if they come calling again.
Szoboszlai called Kerkez his best pal in the Prem and the pair both played for Hungary at Euros 2024.
The youngster is also well-known Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, who signed him for Bournemouth.
Szoboszlai commented on Kerkez’s social media post after he scored the final goal in Bournemouth’s 4-1 demolition of Newcastle last Saturday.
Szoboszlai replied to his compatriot with: “Yes my son ”.
Kerkez also recently followed Luiz Diaz on Instagram.
GettyThe left-back has flourished under Andoi Iraola[/caption]
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