Virgil van Dijk has made it clear what he thinks of Milos Kerkez, following another eye-catching performance against Brighton.
The Hungarian was superb in the 3-0 win at home to the Seagulls in the FA Cup, assisting Curtis Jones and excelling in his all-round game.
After a slow start to life at Liverpool, Kerkez is now looking like the player who shone so much for Bournemouth last season.
Speaking to reporters (via the Liverpool Echo), Van Dijk praised his teammate, revealing “behind the scenes” discussions that have improved their relationship.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, January 31, 2026: Liverpool's Milos Kerkez during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Newcastle United FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“Of course I had chats because on the pitch we need each other, whether it is positioning or even today he presses as a full-back and I have to cover,” Van Dijk said.
“It’s a collaboration that you obviously have to understand each other and me and Robbo had that for so many years and you still see that in our game. That is something that has to develop over games.
“Conversations are happening 100 percent behind the scenes and in games, like with the rest of the team, to try to be the best team and players on the pitch.”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, February 14, 2026: Liverpool's Milos Kerkez during the FA Cup 4th Round match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Van Dijk also lauded the improvements made by Kerkez in a Liverpool shirt, as well as justifying his £40 million summer price tag.
“I think it is pretty clear you definitely see an improvement,” he added.
“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.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, February 8, 2026: Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates with team-mates Milos Kerkez and Ryan Gravenberch (R) after scoring the first goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester City FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“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.
“He has a lot of energy. He is young (laughs). When we were young we were always full of energy. He is eager to learn.
“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?”
Milos Kerkez perfect proof of patience being required
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, February 14, 2026: Liverpool's Milos Kerkez during the FA Cup 4th Round match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
A lack of patience in modern football is frustrating, with signings often written off before they even have a chance to settle at their new club.
That has certainly been the case with Kerkez, who was unconvincing in the early months of the season, with some calling for him to be a backup to Andy Robertson.
He is now growing by the week, though, having adjusted to one of Europe’s biggest clubs, and his performance against Brighton was one of his best of the season.
Kerkez has improved at both ends of the pitch, defending with more discipline and getting two assists in his last three appearances, and he now looks like an excellent signing.
At 22, he still has so many years ahead of him to mature further – Robertson was 23 when he joined from Hull in 2017 – and he can grow into a world-class left-back.
Kerkez’s performance on Saturday wasn’t lost on some Liverpool fans, who praised his ever-increasing influence on social media:
Not enough is said about Miloš Kerkez's improvement.
He struggled a bit in the first month or two of the season but he's been brilliant at both ends of the pitch since. #LFC
— Liam Bekker (@LiamBekker) February 14, 2026
Virgil van Dijk on Milos Kerkez: “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…but with the help of Robbo and the rest of the team and his own development I think he is making big progress.”
— Beth Lindop (@beth_lindop) February 15, 2026
That was a straight up 10/10 performance from Milos Kerkez tonight.
Despicable to think so many people on here turned on him within a few weeks of his Liverpool career.
Proud to say I never did.
Soon he’ll be the best Left Back in England and then the world.
— ?????? (@WilcoFtbl) February 14, 2026
Milos Kerkez gets more and more impressive by the week.
It's almost like young players need time to adjust to a big new club.
— Henry Jackson (@HenryJackson87) February 14, 2026
My take away from that is that Kerkez is so good
Mad some can’t see it
— ? (@PaulSenior1) February 14, 2026
So glad people are starting to give Kerkez his dues.
Said it since day one, this lad is going to be unbelievable.
No time & patience is given these days. He was PL left back of the season last year for a reason.
He's top class
— Lloydy ?????? (@TheLloyds2021) February 14, 2026
Important not to get carried away but that's two good wins against very different opponents. 2nd goal was an absolute belter tonight.
Kerkez great again btw. Making more than a few eat their words ?
— Ian Ryan (@Ian1892T) February 14, 2026
I’m really enjoying the player Kerkez is becoming. He was erratic when he first arrrived and I don’t think he was helped by what Slot was asking him to do, but now looks like everything you’d want in a Liverpool full back. Any opinion that he’s not good is just lazy. #LFC
— Charlie. (@CharlieCosgr0ve) February 14, 2026