Milos Kerkez is beginning to win Liverpool supporters over after finally showing what he’s really capable of.
The left-back had looked like a fish out of water after joining the Reds from Bournemouth last summer, leading to some fans questioning whether Richard Hughes had bought a dud.
However, Kerkez has rapidly improved since Christmas, turning in consistently solid performances.
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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Saturday’s display against Brighton was arguably the Hungarian’s best since his arrival at the club. A terrific defensive performance was topped off with a superb assist for Curtis Jones to open the scoring.
It has been some turnaround for Kerkez, and speaking to ESPN FC after the game, Liverpool legend Steve Nicol spoke for the whole fanbase when he admitted that he may have been wrong about the 22-year-old.
Steve Nicol walks back Milos Kerkez criticism
Kerkez had been a lightning rod for criticism during his early months at the club, with Nicol regularly an outspoken detractor.
The Scotsman does not mince his words when appearing as a pundit, but he is also willing to offer praise when it is due. Speaking on Saturday night, he hailed the turnaround in Kerkez’s form.
Liverpool v Brighton & Hove Albion - Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round
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“Listen, I have been critical of Kerkez and I think for the majority of this season he’s been a problem in the back four,” Nicol said. “He has not affected Liverpool either in an attacking sense or in a defensive sense and we’ve mentioned it on more than one occasion. So I think it’s only right that we say in terms of what he’s producing, he was fantastic today.
“He’s a terrier defensively, he was in good positions, he got close to people, he won the ball back. And then of course going forward he’s almost scored with a cracking volley, he’s set up Curtis Jones for his goals. I mean, what we saw from Kerkez, 100 per cent is the player we thought Liverpool would get and today he’s showed us what he’s capable of.
“So, now let’s hope he’s taken a step forward and he can get close to that sort of performance every time he steps onto the field. And if he does, not just me but every Liverpool fan will be more than pleased.”
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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Liverpool supporters pleased with Kerkez
Nicol’s assessment of Kerkez is probably in line with that of just about every Liverpool supporter right now.
It is not an exaggeration to say that during those early months there were genuine question marks over whether he had a long-term future at the club.
The criticism, as it almost always is, was over the top, but Kerkez’s performances were absolutely nowhere near what had been expected.
As a young player, he was always likely to improve, however, and having had the time to settle in and get used to being a Liverpool player, the former Bournemouth man is showing a truer version of himself.
Like Nicol, fans were right to be initially concerned by Kerkez, but many will now be holding their hands up and happily admitting they were wrong. Long may his renaissance continue.
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