🧠 Why He’s Rated the Ideal Replacement

• Tactical Fit: Known for underlapping runs and deadly crossing—he averaged more crosses (132) and sprints (4th most in Premier League) than Robertson last season.
• Creative Output: Registered 2 goals and 6 assists in 38 appearances for Bournemouth; placed among top defenders in key attacking stats.
• Statistical Comparison:
•     Dribble success: 56.4% vs Robertson’s 41.2%
•     Comparable one-on-one defending (beaten ~0.38 vs ~0.72 times per game)
• Suitability for Liverpool’s Style: While his pass accuracy for Bournemouth hovered at ~80%, analysts expect improvement under the ball-retention system that Arne Slot employs

✅ Deal Overview

• Transfer fee: Around £40 million paid to Bournemouth
• Contract: Five-year deal in place, making him Liverpool’s third major signing alongside Frimpong and Wirtz
• Debut stance: Kerkez expressed his excitement, stating: “This club is meant to win trophies – I’ll give everything,” in his first interview at Liverpool’s training ground

🔍 Bottom Line

• Kerkez brings youthful energy, elite athleticism, and the attacking mindset Liverpool seek. Graded highly by Goal and backed by Opta stats, he's not just a short-term option—but the clear long-term successor to Andy Robertson.