Milos Kerkez is coming into his own in a Liverpool shirt, and Virgil van Dijk wants Andy Robertson to get some of the credit.
After a rather inconsistent start to his Liverpool career, Kerkez is proving the doubters wrong with one strong performance after another.
The Brighton game was just the latest example, where the Hungarian was unlucky not to be named Player of the Match.
Kerkez assisted Jones with an ‘undefendable’ cross, and almost got on the scoresheet himself.
Who gets your vote for man of the match in an excellent win over Brighton, and why?
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Curtis Jones points to the Anfield stand in celebration during Liverpool's FA Cup match against Brighton & Hove Albion
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He looks like a different player to the one who arrived from Bournemouth in the summer, and Liverpool’s left-back legend has played a role.
Andy Robertson has helped Milos Kerkez ascend: Van Dijk
You really can’t underestimate the value of experience when it comes to helping young stars settle in.
At 22, Kerkez hasn’t been in this type of high-pressure situation, and that was telling in some of his play earlier this season.
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According to Van Dijk, the presence of Robertson has helped Kerkez to raise his level and nail down his spot in the side.
He said after the Brighton game: ““I think it is pretty clear you definitely see an improvement. He is still so young and is getting used to being a Liverpool player, it is a lot more than kick a ball on the pitch. Especially when the team has been inconsistent, it’s not easy to play your best games.
Milos Kerkez during Liverpool v Manchester City - Premier League
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“But with the help of Robbo and the rest of the team and his own development I think he is making big progress. What I see is there is a lot to come for him to learn and improve but that’s a good thing. He just has to keep going.”
When you look at the profile of Kerkez, there might not be a left-back in Premier League history from whom he can benefit more than his Scottish teammate.
Robertson’s Liverpool future is in question, but for as long as he is part of the dressing room, he will be an invaluable asset — especially for Kerkez.
Virgil van Dijk can relate to pressure around Kerkez fee
When Van Dijk came to Anfield all those years ago, he did so with a hefty £75 million transfer fee attached to him — a Premier League record for a defender at the time.
That naturally puts additional pressure on a young player, and while Kerkez wasn’t quite as expensive, the £40 million fee is an easy excuse to criticise.
How wrong was Alan Pardew about Milos Kerkez? 😅
Milos Kerkez pictured during Liverpool's Premier League match against Newcastle United at Anfield.
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As Van Dijk explains: “The price tag you can’t do anything about. When I joined the club it was also like that. £75million was a lot of money, but what can I do about it?”
The right mentality, and hopefully one that can be fostered in Kerkez as well.
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