Hungarian media and supporters label Liverpool’s £40m recruit as the game’s poorest performer

Liverpool supporters may have noticed a surprising storyline coming out of Hungary’s recent World Cup qualifier, as one of the club’s summer signings came under heavy criticism in his home country.

Milos Kerkez given lowest rating by Hungarian fans
According to Nemzeti Sport, Liverpool left-back Milos Kerkez was voted the worst performer in Hungary’s 3-2 defeat to Portugal in Budapest. Out of 7,830 votes, the 21-year-old received an average score of just 4.51/10 — the lowest of any Hungarian player on the pitch.

The publication described Kerkez as “annoyingly easy to tackle,” pointing to the moment when Joao Cancelo dispossessed him in the buildup to Portugal’s decisive third goal. This was particularly heartbreaking for Dominik Szoboszlai, who broke down in tears after the match, as the left-back was tackled immediately after receiving the Liverpool midfielder’s pass.

Nemzeti Sport noted that although Kerkez won a number of duels, “we know he is capable of much more.” For context, Barnabas Varga was rated highest with 8.45, followed by goalkeeper Balazs Toth (7.54) and defender Willi Orban (6.54). Szoboszlai’s 5.43 placed him eighth overall — with praise for his intensity but criticism of his misplaced pass.

Hungarian journalists also question his performance
Nemzeti Sport’s reporters gave Kerkez a 5/10, citing his failure to track Bernardo Silva before Portugal’s opener and some poor decision-making in dangerous areas.

Although Kerkez is still at the beginning of his Liverpool career, questions have already been raised about his defensive work in a red shirt. That said, the Hungarian press acknowledged that he generally performed well in defensive duels and has the ability to respond positively to this setback.

Signed from Bournemouth for £40 million, Kerkez was brought in to add energy and balance to Liverpool’s left flank. With the season now in full swing, he will be eager to cement his place in the starting XI — though Andy Robertson will no doubt be looking to reclaim the role.

As Nemzeti Sport summed up, Hungary’s No.3 “is capable of much more” — leaving the challenge to Kerkez to prove himself for both club and country.