By the year 2023, we have reached a stage where a fullback must have incredible attacking skills down the wings if he wants to thrive in football. Tasked with going up the pitch, stretching the field as wide as possible, and creating overloads are now part and parcel of a fullback’s game. And one of the many products of this revolution is AZ Alkmaar’s Milos Kerkez.
Born in Serbia & Montenegro, Kerkez’s footballing journey has taken him to multiple countries where he has witnessed highs and lows. However, at AZ Alkmaar, he finally has found a club that has given him a stable environment to grow and at the same time exhibit his talent.
In just his first season, Kerkez has taken to the team like a duck to water and has become an integral part. While he may still not be on the radar of a big club, Kerkez has shown this season that he is one to watch out for. So, who is Milos Kerkez, and how good is he?
Playing career so far
Milos Kerkez was born on November 7, 2003, in the city of Vrbas, in Vojvodina, Serbia’s northernmost province. As a die-hard fan of the game, Kerkez’s parents enrolled him into the local club FK Vrbas youth academy.
He would stay at the club till 2014 before he would travel 500 kilometres to the Austrian capital of Vienna to join Rapid Wien. His time at the club provided him with a stable environment where he would consistently get better for the next few years.
However, Kerkez was getting restless, a characteristic that would play an integral part in some key moments. The player would then make a decision that would impact not only his club career but also his international career.
In 2020, Kerkez changed his country again, joining Hungarian side Hodmezovasarhely in 2019 but only stayed for a year before joining FC Gyor. Here, he made 16 appearances, which was enough proof for AC Milan to sign him in 2021. Kerkez initially had no inclination to leave Hungary, but a call from Milan legend Paolo Maldini changed that, and his family decided to migrate to Italy.
While he didn’t get any senior team appearances, he regularly trained with the first team. Working with Theo Hernandez helped him improve his game immensely, especially in the attacking department.
The restlessness, however, appeared once again, and just after half of the season, Kerkez wanted regular senior-team appearances. Initially, Milan wanted him to go on a loan, but Kerkez was adamant about a permanent move and thus joined AZ Alkmaar.
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