Milos Kerkez: Why the Premier League's elite want rising Bournemouth star

Milos Kerkez was unheard of to Premier League fans last year, but now he is wanted by a number of European giants - and it's no wonder why.

The 20-year-old Hungarian flew onto the English scene in the summer of 2023, signing with AFC Bournemouth after impressing at Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar. He arrived with a wealth of experience having previously captivated fans with stints in Serbia, Austria, Hungary, Italy and the Netherlands.

But what is it that makes Kerkez so special, and why are big clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United looking to splash the cash on this left-back?

Here is everything you need to know about Bournemouth's hidden gem.

From strong beginnings

Kerkez was born in Vrbas, Serbia and began his playing career at local academy OFK Vrbas. From here, he moved to Austrian side Rapid Wien, about 500km from his hometown.

Packing and moving became a regular part of Kerkez's life, and it didn't take long before he had moved to his third country, Hungary, to play for Gyor. In 2021, he made a huge move to AC Milan after being personally persuaded by club legend Paolo Maldini to join the Italian side.

He was unable to break out of the youth ranks, and so left the club in search for senior football. Here, he found Dutch side AZ - establishing himself as one of the most exciting young prospects in the game.

Bournemouth caught wind of his success and wanted in on the action - but did have to fend off rival competition Benfica and Lazio to secure their man last summer.

A versatile threat on the pitch

There is so much to love about Kerkez's game, offering strength in both attack and defence while posing an intense threat in pressing situations.

He's utilised as a left-back for Bournemouth, but can often be found playing in advanced positions as a winger, due to his tactical awareness and on-ball dominance. Kerkez thrives in one-on-one situations, taking on rivals in both open space and tight spaces to win back possession.

The Hungarian is versatile, unpredictable and incredibly confident - other teams can struggle to shut him down.

Kerkez is the embodiment of a classic modern full-back, excelling in defensive duties but also adding heaps of talent in attacking play - both in depth and width. His pace is excellent, helping to drive the ball in build up play while planning his future moves moments before they happen.

Oozing with confidence

Kerkez's biggest drawback may come from his mentality, rather than a physical defect. The Bournemouth star has been known to act on his emotion, and even branded himself as 'crazy' when he first moved to the Premier League.

There's a fine line between confidence and arrogance, and Kerkez often dances on the cracks between both. His hunger has always driven him to achieve more, bidding farewell to clubs the second he feels underappreciated.

As a youngster, he was known for his aggressive tackles - something we saw last season against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Kerkez was shown a straight red after a heavy challenge on Matt Doherty, missing the next three games before returning for the Cherries' final game of the season.

If Kerkez can handle his emotion, and not act on impulse, he will be an unstoppable force.

The clubs who are interested in Kerkez

Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa have all been linked with the Bournemouth star - but a future move still looks uncertain.

Of these clubs, United have long been linked with a new left-back ahead of the 2024/25 season following a campaign in which Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia played a combined 15 games.

Arsenal also seem keen and may look to sell Oleksandr Zinchenko to make room for a new left-back in their quest to win a first Premier League title since 2004.

The summer transfer window is now open, and Kerkez's future club may soon be decided.

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