Milos Kerkez is heading into the 2026/2027 season with renewed confidence at Liverpool. After a mixed first campaign at Anfield, the Hungary international believes the arrival of Andoni Iraola can help him rediscover his best form.
The connection between Kerkez and Iraola is nothing new. The pair previously worked together at Bournemouth, where the Spanish coach played an important role in bringing the young full-back to England.
Now, they have reunited at Liverpool.
That familiarity could become a major advantage for Kerkez as he prepares for a bigger role in the Reds’ squad. With Andy Robertson leaving the club, the 22-year-old is increasingly expected to become Liverpool’s first-choice left-back.
Kerkez believes Iraola’s tactical approach gives him greater freedom to attack while also demanding more intensity. For a player who thrives on energy and forward movement, that could be exactly what he needs.
Iraola Reunion Gives Kerkez Fresh Confidence
Kerkez joined Liverpool after two impressive seasons at Bournemouth. His development under Iraola was an important part of his rise, making the manager’s arrival at Anfield particularly significant.
During his first season with Liverpool, Kerkez made 48 appearances across all competitions. However, his performances were not always consistent.
Some Liverpool supporters questioned aspects of his game, particularly his defensive positioning and overall adaptation to the demands of a major club.
The situation could now change.
With Robertson no longer at Liverpool, Kerkez has a clearer path to becoming the main option at left-back. More regular starts could allow him to build rhythm and confidence.
His familiarity with Iraola should also make the tactical transition easier.
The main advantages of their reunion include:
- Existing tactical understanding: Kerkez already knows what Iraola expects.
- Greater attacking freedom: The full-back is encouraged to move forward.
- Higher intensity: Liverpool’s system demands constant movement.
- Improved confidence: Iraola previously played an important role in Kerkez’s development.
- A clearer starting role: Robertson’s departure creates more opportunities.
For Kerkez, this could be the perfect opportunity to turn potential into consistency.
“More Freedom” Could Unlock Kerkez
One of the biggest differences Kerkez has noticed under Iraola is the freedom given to him during matches.
The Liverpool defender explained that the team’s approach is extremely aggressive. Players are expected to run more, attack space and maintain pressure on opponents.
“There is a big difference. The coach wants us to play very aggressively. We have to run more. This is good,” Kerkez said.
That philosophy appears to suit the Hungarian.
As a modern full-back, Kerkez is most dangerous when he can attack from deep positions. His ability to overlap, deliver crosses and move into advanced areas can give Liverpool another attacking outlet.
However, that freedom also comes with greater responsibility.
Kerkez explained that he now has more license to move up and down the pitch while delivering more balls into the penalty area.
“I have more freedom to go up and down. I run more, with more freedom, and I send more balls into the box,” he added.
That approach could make Kerkez an important weapon for Liverpool, particularly when opponents defend deep.
Aggressive Football Comes With a Price
While Kerkez welcomes the additional freedom, he understands that Iraola’s style requires significant physical effort.
Constantly moving between defensive and attacking positions is demanding. A left-back cannot simply focus on creating chances. He must also recover quickly when possession is lost.
This balance could be one of the biggest challenges for Kerkez during the new season.
Liverpool will compete across multiple fronts, including the Premier League and Champions League. That means the intensity cannot drop for long periods.
Kerkez will need to maintain his concentration throughout matches while making sure his attacking instincts do not leave gaps behind him.
Still, the player appears ready for that challenge.
His previous experience under Iraola gives him an important advantage because he already understands the manager’s expectations.
Iraola Played a Major Role in Kerkez’s Development
Kerkez has never hidden the importance of Iraola in his career.
The Spanish coach helped him gain confidence during their time together at Bournemouth. Iraola also trusted Kerkez to play an aggressive role from the left side.
That relationship could now become important again at Liverpool.
“The coach gave me confidence when I was at Bournemouth. We have to do what he says, play aggressively, play forward and then execute it,” Kerkez explained.
Those comments underline the level of trust between the player and manager.
For Kerkez, knowing exactly what Iraola wants could eliminate some of the uncertainty that affected his first season at Anfield.
Instead of spending months adapting to a new tactical system, he can focus on improving his execution.
Kerkez’s Numbers Show His Importance
Despite the criticism he received at times, Kerkez enjoyed a busy first season at Liverpool.
He made 48 appearances across all competitions during the 2025/2026 campaign. His Premier League record included 34 appearances, two goals and one assist.
In the Champions League, he featured nine times.
Overall, Kerkez finished the season with:
- 48 appearances
- 2 goals
- 2 assists
- 3,218 minutes played
- 46 appearances as a left-back
- 1 appearance as a left midfielder
Those numbers demonstrate that Liverpool already trusted him enough to use him regularly.
The next step is consistency.
With a clearer role and greater confidence, Kerkez has the opportunity to improve his numbers while becoming a more reliable presence on both sides of the pitch.
A Big Season Awaits at Anfield
The 2026/2027 campaign could represent a defining period in Milos Kerkez’s Liverpool career.
He already knows the manager. He understands the tactical demands. Most importantly, he now appears set to receive a larger role at left-back.
That combination could help him move beyond the frustrations of his debut season.
Liverpool will need players capable of handling the demands of domestic and European football. Kerkez’s energy, attacking ability and willingness to take risks could make him particularly valuable in Iraola’s aggressive system.
The challenge is clear: more freedom means more responsibility.
If Kerkez can combine his attacking instincts with defensive discipline, Liverpool could finally see the version of the Hungarian defender that made him such an exciting prospect at Bournemouth.
For the 22-year-old, the opportunity is there. Now, it is time to make it count.
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