Milos Kerkez, Liverpool’s new left-back, has a compelling journey that highlights his determination and growth as a player. Antal Nemeth, who coached him during his time with Hungary’s U17 team, shared insightful reflections that reveal the challenges Kerkez faced on his path to Anfield.
During a period when the pandemic halted youth activities, Nemeth tasked his coaching staff with selecting a squad for the UEFA U17 European Championship, which led to a surprising realization. Not every staff member included Kerkez in their lineup, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding his potential at the time. His early career at AC Milan also saw him struggle with limited playing time, raising questions about his future in professional football.
What set Kerkez apart, according to Nemeth, was his strong character and unwavering focus. Despite facing competition from other talented players, he exhibited a professional mindset and a fierce determination on the pitch, going above and beyond in friendly matches. This tenacity has not gone unnoticed, as Liverpool fans witnessed his impressive contributions during pre-season matches, where he won all five tackles and nine out of 11 duels.
It’s inspiring to see a player with such a remarkable work ethic and commitment achieve a position at a prestigious club like Liverpool at just 21. His journey serves as a reminder of the importance of resilience and hard work in the world of sports, and fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how his career unfolds at Anfield.