Liverpool and Arne Slot are on the right track to win something important this year and they are currently scouting a few players for the January transfer window.
They have a full squad, but despite Robertson’s and Tsimikas’ roles as left-backs, they need an extra man as the season is long. Arne Slot has made calculations on all fronts, with matches in the Premier League, Carabao Cup, FA Cup, and the UEFA Champions League.
So, they need a defender for at least one major competition, and following this logic, this would keep a fresh team, away from injuries. This is one of the main objectives of the coach Slot, and as Fotnet24 understands he might continue with two left defenders if the operation breaks.
As it stands, another left-back is a concrete objective and Liverpool and the coach will make their attempt to sign one. Of course, the market is full of great defenders, but Liverpool wants one with great adapting skills.
Here comes Milos Kerkez into play. With both the skills and the winning spirit he would make quite an alternative for the Reds. He is young and powerful and can offer Liverpool power and stamina in that left wing.
The Reds know the importance of signing young players to maintain the team at high levels in the upcoming seasons. Kerkez has all the qualities that the club wants from him and despite his age, he can offer much more in terms of experience and team collaboration.
As many fans say, young age is not a sign of innovation, but this is not the case, as the player can offer more variables to Liverpool’s game. That is the reason why this operation might result in a good outcome for Liverpool.
The left-wing at Liverpool
Andrew Robertson is 30 years old and for all the qualities in the world, his age cannot afford 50 matches per season. He can play in the Premier League and in the important games in the UEFA Champions League. So he remains the first option for Arne Slot’s formation.
He is fast and smart and we all know what Robertson can do with the ball or even without the ball. We all know what Robertson can provide as he has won it all with the Reds. He is a UEFA Champions League and Premier League champion and both titles he has won as part of the starting eleven.
Under previous management, Robertson also won the Community Shield and two FA Cups. So he is one of a kind and a hard man to win something from.
Kostas Tsimikas can play in the starting eleven in the majority of the games as his young age, 28 years old, guarantees stamina and power and above all good performances. He has played in the UCL and can give Liverpool the extra energy it needs this season.
Above all Tsimikas’ experience with the club cannot be underestimated as the player is the first alternative to take the left-back position this season. But there is some uncertainty surrounding Tsimikas as a long term option and here can come this operation as an added value to the club.
Yes, he is good, but after two or three seasons, he will be more than 30 years old and traditionally this is seen as old. Not because of the age, but because of the intensity and the stamina of the player. That is why Liverpool needs a younger defender.
Who is Milos Kerkez?
Well, his young age, only 20 years old can make the difference in terms of a long career at the club. He can play all the season and despite a yellow card in this Premier League season, his appearances with Bournemouth have been at a good level.
Kerkez started his professional career at AZ Alkmaar, two years ago and he completed the transfer to the Premier League one year ago. Kerkez was part of Milan U19 before joining Alkmaar. His pace of climbing new heights at the football level is not a coincidence. He is strong and well-structured.
Milos Kerkez, of Hungarian and Serbian origin, has all the characteristics of a complete defender. That is why Bournemouth signed him and that is why Liverpool wants him.
Kerkez can play well and knows the Premier League. That gives him priority over the other alternatives. The coach Slot sees him as a good option to stay in the next few seasons with the Reds.
Kerkez Strength
He can win any 1v1 battle and can keep the squad on the third part of the pitch with power and stability. He is adaptable to fluid systems and also can learn quickly how to cooperate in the defense. It is mightily important to understand the advantages of playing with Van Dijk as a central and at the same wing with Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz. So there are quality players surrounding him.
This is his main strength, being a team player and being at the team’s height. At the same time, he might produce glimpses of brilliance throughout the game and these are signs of big individuals. He would be a perfect fit for the team as he can dictate transitions and balance the team.
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Liverpool scouting job and Kerkez options
Liverpool have observed the player in these first matches and they need some time and confirmation to sign the player. But there is something more in terms of the dynamics of the transfer. The price of the player is only £20 million and this is a big advantage for any team that wants the player.
Yes, this is a big significant aspect, but it does not end here. Bournemouth can increase the price as they do not have an ending clause with the player. This is because other clubs are interested in him.
The first club is Manchester United, with the Red Devils that are willing to pay £30 million to sign the player. They have Mallacia and Shaw but they want more in terms of team options and with a heavily loaded season, Kerkez would be a great fit.
Manchester United is the first team that has chased Kerkez and this can give them a slight boost to sign the player. But Liverpool are there and remain an important option.
Chelsea also wants the player with the board and the president Tod Boehly wants to complete another successful transfer after signing Jadon Sancho from Manchester United.
These are the three options and the player can decide the best destination for him. But the Reds want to be the first to profit and send Bournemouth an offer.
The player perspective
Milos Kerkez needs minutes and he would prefer Bournemouth over a substitute role at a big club. So this complicates the operation for Liverpool. The real question is: Are they ready to drop Tsimikas and Robertson’s experience to give Kerkez a place in the starting lineup?
This is a tough question to answer, especially in a moment when Liverpool is winning with their duo. So he needs some promises and furthermore some guarantees to play. Nowadays, football is hard and even the coaches find it difficult to make the right decisions.
Time will tell the truth, as the January transfer window is the battlefield for the teams that will try to sign Kerkez. New developments will occur with the Reds that are prepared for every scenario and are taking seriously each move in the upcoming transfer window.