Kerkez poised to be a pivotal figure for Bournemouth
Bournemouth’s Newest Acquisition, Milos Kerkez, Dreams of Playing in the Premier League
Milos Kerkez, the player of the Hungarian national football team, recently joined Bournemouth and expressed his excitement about playing in the Premier League. In his first interview with the club, Kerkez revealed that playing in the top-flight English league has been his dream since he was a child. According to National Sport, Kerkez has the potential to become a starting player for Bournemouth as there is currently no rival on his position.
When asked why he chose Bournemouth, the 19-year-old left-back mentioned the respect he felt from the club. He explained that the Bournemouth representatives visited him at home to explain their plans, and this made a big impact on his decision. Kerkez also emphasized the outstanding intensity and pace of the Premier League games, stating that it would be different from what he has experienced so far. However, he feels prepared for the challenge, having faced West Ham United in this year’s Conference League semi-final as a part of his former team, AZ Alkmaar.
Known for his defensive skills and tackling, Kerkez humorously described himself as a “crazy left back.” He enjoys contributing to both defense and attack, and running up and down the field is a passion for him. The influence of Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola was another factor that played a role in Kerkez’s decision to join the club. He appreciates Iraola’s philosophy of play, which aligns with his own style.
In terms of his background, Kerkez revealed that he is a dual citizen of Serbia and Hungary. He obtained his Hungarian papers through his grandmother, who is Hungarian. Playing for the Hungarian national team is an honor for him and his family, as they made the decision together after he received an invitation. Kerkez mentioned that the next European Championship qualifier against Serbia is significant for him, as it involves both his family and the two favorites in the group.
Kerkez’s talent and potential have not gone unnoticed by football organizations. The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) included him in their list of 40 players aged 21 or under who have the potential to succeed in European football. The CIES Football Observatory in Switzerland also recognized his skills and ranked him among the world’s most promising under-21 players in their latest study.
Having signed from AC Milan to AZ Alkmaar last year, Kerkez made a significant impact in the Dutch league. Bournemouth announced his signing on Thursday, reportedly paying €18 million for him. There was considerable attention around his signing, with Benfica and Lazio both expressing interest. Despite Lazio reaching an agreement with AZ Alkmaar, Bournemouth managed to secure Kerkez’s transfer. As a result, there are now two members of the Hungarian national team playing in the English Premier League, with Dominik Szoboszlai joining Liverpool this summer.
The addition of Milos Kerkez to the Bournemouth squad brings excitement and anticipation for both the player and the fans. As he steps into the Premier League, Kerkez is determined to fulfill his childhood dream and make a significant impact on the field. With his talent and the support of his new club, he has the potential to become a key player for Bournemouth and leave his mark on English football.
