Category: Emirates FA Cup

Milos Kerkez is fast becoming the player Liverpool believed they were signing in the summer of 2025. His start to life at Anfield came with plenty of criticism. This was largely because he was not performing at the same level he had shown at Bournemouth. While he did not make many major mistakes, his biggest issue was that he was not providing the same attacking threat down the left-hand side. Nor did he look as defensively assured as he had at his previous club. However, that is often the reality when stepping up to a club of Liverpool’s size. It takes time to adapt to the expectations, the intensity, and the pressure. As the season has progressed, Kerkez has gradually improved. Since the turn of the year, his performances have taken a significant leap forward. A lack of confidence was evident early on, particularly in the match against Burnley, where he was eventually taken off after just 38 minutes. https://twitter.com/kerkez_official/status/2022817040143110617?s=20 He had already been booked. In addition, there were moments where he looked hesitant, almost reluctant to receive the ball under pressure. Whether that was truly the case or simply how it appeared, it reflected a player still adjusting to his new surroundings. Manager Arne Slot was quick to act. Things did not improve on the international stage either. Following Hungary’s defeat to Portugal, Hungarian outlet Nemzeti Sport rated him the worst player on the pitch, giving him a 4.5 out of 10. His passing accuracy in the Premier League had dipped to 78.43%, well below his usual standard. He also failed to register a single assist during his first few months at the club. However, even during that difficult spell, there were glimpses of the player Liverpool had signed. In small moments, you could still see his quality, his energy, and his attacking intent. What he lacked was confidence. Once that confidence returned, it always felt inevitable that both Kerkez and Liverpool would begin to reap the rewards. Learning the "Liverpool Way" The upturn in form seemed to begin around the turn of the year, as his performances gradually became stronger and his confidence visibly improved with each passing match. It was not just down to individual improvement. It was also his growing understanding of Liverpool’s tactical demands. At Bournemouth, the system was far more aggressive, with Kerkez playing a key role in driving attacks down the left flank. He was encouraged to run directly at defenders, overlap constantly, and deliver dangerous balls into the box. At Liverpool, however, his role initially appeared more conservative. He often looked to recycle possession rather than attack his fullback, and there were fewer of the explosive forward runs that had made him so effective previously. At times, he still delivered crosses. Unfortunately, they lacked the same threat and conviction that defined his game at Bournemouth. https://twitter.com/SeanDOlfc/status/2022774048296497388 As he became more comfortable within the system and more confident in his role, those attacking instincts began to return. He started to push higher up the pitch, take on defenders once again, and provide the attacking outlet Liverpool had originally signed him to be. Why 2026 changed everything A key moment that highlighted his improvement came in Liverpool’s away matches against Arsenal and Marseille. It was in games like these that Kerkez began to show why Liverpool had invested in him. Across the two matches, he won nine out of his 12 duels, giving him an impressive 75% duel success rate. His defensive work, which had previously been questioned, showed clear signs of improvement. He recorded a 100% tackle success rate in that match, underlining his growing defensive confidence. In 2026, his ball recoveries also increased significantly, rising to 4.8 recoveries per 90 minutes, compared to just 2.8 earlier in the season. This showed not only better positioning but also greater anticipation and involvement in defensive transitions. Despite not being the tallest full-back, his aerial presence also improved, showing greater timing, aggression and confidence when competing for aerial balls. He also registered his first major Premier League assist in Liverpool’s 4-1 victory over Newcastle, another sign of his growing confidence and attacking impact. His passing accuracy has also improved significantly, rising by nearly 12% to 86.5% in 2026, showing a player far more comfortable and assured in possession. Kerkez's performance against Brighton in the FA Cup was another clear sign of his transformation. He delivered an outstanding display, but the most noticeable improvement was how he attacked the backline, just as he had done so effectively at Bournemouth. He looked far more confident driving forward and far more threatening with his delivery. His cross to Curtis Jones in the first half, which led to Liverpool’s opening goal in their 3-0 victory, was simply sublime. It was a delicious ball into the perfect area, allowing Jones to finish comfortably. It was the type of cross Liverpool had been missing earlier in the season, and the type Kerkez had built his reputation on. https://twitter.com/empireofthekop/status/2022795021016031591 It is not just the eye test that shows his improvement; the numbers reflect it too. His chances created have risen from 1.2 per 90 minutes in 2025 to 2.1 per 90 in 2026, highlighting his growing influence in attacking areas.