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Milos Kerkez## Milos Kerkez has faced a battle to land the left-back spot for himself, first competing with Andy Robertson and now battling with Kostas Tsimikas at Liverpool.
Luke Thrower Trends Writer
18:16, 28 Jul 2026
Milos Kerkez #6 of Liverpool walks down the pitch during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC
Milos Kerkez has discussed left-back competition at Liverpool in the team's roster(Image: (Photo by Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images))
Liverpool defender Milos Kerkez has claimed he relishes competition at left-back, giving plenty of praise to both Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas in his position.
The Hungarian international joined the Reds last summer from Bournemouth, as he looked to become the team's long-term option on the left flank.
His arrival at Anfield was marked by a difficult start, one that saw him unable to switch from the high intensity style he thrived in with the Cherries to the more possession-based approach of the team last season.
That saw Kerkez switched out for the experienced Robertson at some points of the campaign, with the Scotsman offering a steady basis for the team to work from, even if it traded off some of the attacking qualities brought by the former.
The exit of Robertson means Kerkez may have a chance to nail down the left-back role as his own, an opportunity bolstered by the arrival of new coach Andoni Iraola.
The defender featured over 70 times for the manager, playing some of his best soccer under the head coach, who he has outlined as an intense presence who managed to get the best out of him.
There will still be some competition with the return of Tsimikas, however, who comes back to Anfield after a difficult loan spell with AS Roma.
Speaking to the media on Liverpool's pre-season tour, via the Liverpool Echo, Kerkez discussed that competition and said: "Andy [Robertson] helped me a lot
”He’s a legend. He did a lot of big things for this club and won everything. I’m not running away from that. He’s someone I look up to.
Andy Robertson replaces Milos Kerkez during the Premier League game between Liverpool and Bournemouth.
Andy Robertson replaces Milos Kerkez during the Premier League game between Liverpool and Bournemouth.(Image: Michael Steele/Getty Images)
“But it’s not like I was held back or whatever because Andy was there. I just do my own thing. I want to make my own way. I always like to compete. It doesn’t matter who it is.
“Kostas [Tsimikas] is back and I get on well with him. There is no bad blood. Kostas is Greek, I’m Serbian, and we have that kind of similar mentality.”
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It remains to be seen just how the dynamic develops, and whether one of the two will be able to seal the position as their own heading into the new season.
For many, the dynamic would likely see Kerkez as the first-choice option, considering his qualities under the head coach and the possibility to grow further.
However, Tsimikas will be pushing for minutes and a chance to impress, with the arrival of a new manager bringing about a fresh slate to work from.
Liverpool FC
Milos Kerkez
Andy Robertson
Kostas Tsimikas