Premier League duo Leeds United and Leicester City like Milos Kerkez and AZ Alkmaar scout Arthur Numan believes there are shades of Roberto Carlos in the Eredivisie left-back, speaking to Ziggo Sport.
The Real Madrid legend would have been proud of the way Kerkez fired AZ into the verge of Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday night. Bursting forward in a manner reminiscent of Roberto Carlos himself, Kerkez then kept his composure to finish and secure a famous 2-1 win away at Lazio for Pascal Jansen’s overachieving side.
That was one of four goals the teenager has scored during his breakthrough season. There have been a further seven assists; the former AC Milan youngster already attracting interest from clubs higher up the footballing food chain.
“The way he’s developing with us is great,” says Numan, the one-time Rangers ace who helped bring Kerkez to the Netherlands in 2021.
“I think he’s a Roberto Carlos type. He’ll keep going for 90 minutes.”
Leeds, Leicester and Bournemouth like Milos Kerkez
The £17 million-rated Hungary international, Sky Sport say, is on the radar of Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid and – funnily enough – Lazio. Leeds, Leicester and AFC Bournemouth are also keeping tabs. Though it is hard to imagine Kerkez joining any of the aforementioned trio if they fail to stave off the very real threat of relegation.
“Milos Kerkez from AZ really stood out to me against Ajax (a 2-1 win in September),” former Dutch international Rinus Israel told De Telegraaf.
“Physically, he is not the strongest. But (Kerkez is) aggressive in the duels and nice on the ball. He has a bright future ahead of him, I believe that.
“It is of course fantastic for the club if you can sell (fellow left-back Owen) Wijndal and then already have the replacement in-house.”
Ajax paid £9 million to sign Wijndal back in June. Kerkez, however, could depart for twice as much.
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