Tackling with his head! Milos Kerkez reveals explanation behind unorthodox style after clips of Liverpool debut went viral for strange defending

Kerkez, who joined the Reds this summer from Bournemouth in a £40 million ($54m) transfer, made his first appearance in Liverpool colours during a pre-season friendly against Preston North End. Despite the match being a warm-up fixture, the 21-year-old’s sheer intensity and fearless approach were on full display.

Speaking during Liverpool's pre-season tour of Hong Kong, Kerkez addressed the viral clip in an interview with Liverpoolfc.com: "It was a foul even before that I think, but then I saw the referee was not giving anything. The ball was a little bit far away, I lost balance and I had to jump somewhere. I was closer to jump with my head! I got the ball. I think it was a foul.

“It’s me, you know, it’s how I play – I always give 100 per cent. When you play for Liverpool you have to always give everything on the pitch for the fans and for the badge, and that’s what I want to do.”

Kerkez is expected to provide strong competition to Andy Robertson and is seen as a modern full-back capable of contributing on both ends of the pitch. His willingness to defend with such determination, even when it means throwing his head into a challenge, has already made him a fan favourite at Merseyside.

Liverpool’s preparations for the 2025/26 season are continuing across Asia. The team is currently in Hong Kong, where they will face Italian giants AC Milan at Kai Tak Stadium this Saturday. Following their Hong Kong stop, the Reds will head to Japan to take on J1 League champions Yokohama F. Marinos at the Nissan Stadium in Yokohama on July 30. Liverpool will return to Merseyside to play a pre-season double-header at Anfield, beginning with a clash against Athletic Club on August 4.