If Liverpool sign Milos Kerkez, £37m Reds attacker should be even happier than Arne Slot – opinion

It looks more and more likely that Milos Kerkez could become a Liverpool player in the summer.

Liverpool could pay £40 million to sign Kerkez as the Reds are closing in on agreeing personal terms with the AFC Bournemouth left-back to complete the deal.

The 21-year-old’s addition would be a welcome one, as he could replace Kostas Tsimikas, who could leave Liverpool at the end of the season.

Given how much Milos Kerkez has impressed this campaign, there are not many better candidates across European football to come in and compete with Andy Robertson for a starting berth.

Cody Gakpo should rejoice if Liverpool sign Milos Kerkez

However, Cody Gakpo could be the real winner from the move if the Hungarian international makes his move to Anfield.

While Arne Slot has massively improved Gakpo, Kerkez could further help the versatile forward up his game due to one major reason; drifting inside instead of staying out wide.

Unlike Luis Diaz, Gakpo is not as proficient a dribbler from wide areas but with Kerkez holding the width down the left flank, the Dutchman could have the space to carry the ball in central areas — which is arguably the standout aspect of his game.

The Cherries defender is a traditional full-back and is happy to hug the touchline, which has allowed Antoine Semenyo to inflict damage on defences by venturing into the box to score and assist goals.

Playing as an inside forward could further help get the best out of Gakpo, as he would be stationed closer to goal and with how incredible the 26-year-old’s shooting is, he could potentially become an even more dangerous goalscorer; having already bagged 18 across all competitions this season.

While similar arguments can be made in favour of Robertson, who continues to have an engine on him, where Kerkez trumps him is picking out his winger in the final third and as a crosser in case Semenyo veers inside the box.

Gakpo has worked hard to up his game and he is likely to accept the challenge of potentially playing in a slightly different role next season, which could also help him improve as a creator due to being positioned closer to goal.

All in all, Kerkez could help the £37 million (ESPN) man focus on his strengths much more rather than being a touchline winger, which could well mean the Liverpool star ends up having the best season of his career.

Comparing Kerkez’s stats to Andy Robertson this season

Based on the stats, while the youngster has the edge on Robertson, the discrepancy between the pair might not be considered significant by many.

However, Kerkez is a player who is similar to a young Robertson and while the numbers might not necessarily reflect that, the Premier League champions’ interest in him speaks volumes about the former’s quality.

Whether Gakpo ends up hitting newer heights if paired up with Kerkez on the left flank remains to be seen but the signs are positive for Liverpool.

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