The 22-year-old Hungary international provided the assist for Curtis Jones’ opening goal at Anfield and played the full match as we kept another clean sheet. Afterwards Van Dijk spoke with BBC Sports about his progress.
Van Dijk made it clear that the improvement in the dressing room has not gone unnoticed: “I think it’s pretty clear that you’re definitely seeing an improvement.
“He is still so young and has to get used to being a Liverpool player. It is much more than just kicking a ball on the pitch. Especially when the team has been inconsistent, it is not easy to play your best games.”
The defender also emphasized how much potential he believes the Hungarian still has.
“With the help of Robbo and the rest of the team and his own development, I think he is making great progress. There is still a lot for him to learn and improve, but that is a good thing.”
Kerkez impact vs Brighton shows his growth
The assist alone would have been enough to make headlines.
Milos Kerkez’s low throw for Jones was widely praised, with commentators describing the cross as excellent, and it capped a performance that was strong both defensively and offensively.
| Kerkez vs. Brighton | |
|---|---|
| Minutes | 90 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Tackles won | 2 |
| Duels won | 6 |
| Key cards | 1 |
| Sofascore rating | 7.2 |
These figures (via Bank score) reflect what we saw during the match: energy along the flank, defensive stability and constant attacking support.
Observers also noted that the 22-year-old’s first half was arguably his best spell since joining from Bournemouth last summer, showing exactly why Liverpool invested in him.
Van Dijk explains defensive partnership
With Kerkez playing alongside Van Dijk on Liverpool’s left, their communication is crucial to our defensive structure.
The captain openly explained the relationship.
“On the pitch we need each other, whether it’s positioning or even today he presses as a wing-back and I have to cover.
“It is a collaboration where you have to understand each other clearly and me and Robbo have had that for so many years and that is something that has to develop in games.”
Van Dijk also revealed that work continues outside of matches.
“The conversations take place 100% behind the scenes and in matches, just like with the rest of the team, to try to be the best team and players on the pitch.”
The Liverpool captain even joked about his teammate’s personality: “He has a lot of energy. He’s young… He’s eager to learn.”
At the start of the season there were real discussions about whether Andy Robertson should immediately regain the starting position, but Arne Slot’s confidence now seems justified.
The main takeaway from Van Dijk’s comments is simple: this is not a temporary form; Liverpool believe Kerkez is only at the beginning of his development.
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