AFC Bournemouth
AFC Bournemouth summer recruit Milos Kerkez admits he is counting down the days until he realises his childhood dream – playing in the Premier League.
Kerkez was the third of four new signings last month, the sought-after 19-year-old left-back joining the Cherries from Dutch top-flight outfit AZ Alkmaar.
He impressed in friendlies against Southampton, Atalanta and Lorient, his eye-catching displays putting him in contention to feature against West Ham in Saturday’s Premier League curtain-raiser at Vitality Stadium.
Kerkez started for Alkmaar against the Hammers when the Irons triumphed 1-0 in the second leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final in May, David Moyes’s team going on to beat Fiorentina in the final.
Hungary international Kerkez, who has already played club football in five different countries, would become the Cherries’ fifth teenage debutant in the Premier League, following in the footsteps of Lewis Cook, Matt Worthington, Mark Travers and Owen Bevan.
He told afcb.co.uk: “I’m very excited and looking forward to it, so are my family. Every kid dreams of playing in the best league in the world and that’s the Premier League.
“It’s always been my dream and I’m finally here. My first Premier League game, it will be a big thing. We will analyse them with the coach, we will be prepared and we want to win.
“I faced West Ham in the Europa Conference League so I know what’s coming. Unfortunately, we got knocked out but it was a great experience. Playing in a European semi-final is no small thing.
“Pre-season for me was great. I got a lot of minutes to prepare physically and to learn more how the boss wants us to play.
“We want to play high, intensive and quick so it’s good. We’re still working to get better but we’re doing well.
“The coach had a big impact on my move here. He came from the Spanish league and I like his philosophy. I like the club’s philosophy as well and I’m really happy to be here.”
Kerkez’s energetic displays and engaging personality have seen him become an instant hit with Cherries supporters, both during games and on social media.
“I’m really proud of that,” he said. “I’m just going to continue to give 100 per cent on the pitch for the club and want to help the team reach the best place we can in the league this season.”
| Teenage Premier League debutants | Age |
| Lewis Cook | 19 years, six months, 12 days |
| Matt Worthington | 19 years, five months, four days |
| Mark Travers | 19 years, 11 months, 17 days |
| Owen Bevan | 18 years, ten months, two days |
