Serbia, Hungary, Austria, Italy and the Netherlands. At 18, AZ left-back Milos Kerkez has already lived in five different countries, but Alkmaar is where the youngster really feels at home.

“Football takes you everywhere,” says Kerkez with a big smile. “But that was the perfect decision.”

Seemingly easily, the defender with Serbian and Hungarian roots has integrated himself into the base of Pascal Jansen’s side and has made Owen Wijndal, who joined Ajax, forgotten.

With two goals in the league, one goal and three assists in the Conference League and a good dose of energy, the youngster has shaped the game from AZ this season. He has also made his debut for the Hungarian national team.

Since joining Alkmaar, his football career has taken off. Where Kerkez played in Hungary’s second division two years ago, he has now firmly established himself as a national player against opponents such as Leroy Sané and Serge Gnabry.

On his debut for Hungary, Kerkez starts in the Nations League game against Germany, playing against the fast and agile attackers of Bayern Munich.

And with success. Hungary beats Germany 1-0 and Kerkez plays 90 minutes. “Of course I will never forget that.”

Call from the AC Milan legend

Growing up in the Serbian village of Vrbas, Kerkez dreamed of playing football on the world stage from a young age. In February 2021 he receives a special call that suddenly brings this dream closer.

AC Milan icon Paolo Maldini calls Kerkez personally. The former top defender makes it clear that Milan are interested and like to sit down with their left leg.

Kerkez has no doubts that saying no after a personal call from Maldini is not an option. He quickly packs his things and makes his way to Italy.

The then 17-year-old Kerkez joins the highest youth team in Milan, but is soon allowed to train with the first selection. There he suddenly finds himself facing Zlatan Ibrahimovic and his role model Theo Hernández, the Frenchman who covers the entire left flank at San Siro.

glide advice

He also receives personal advice from Maldini, who is currently the technical manager at Rossoneri. “Maldini behaved like a real teacher. He spoke to me for five to ten minutes and told me what I did well, but also what I could do better. It was a wonderful experience.”

“Maldini loves my game. Especially the energy I can deliver.”

Kerkez also gets direct advice from Maldini. The 126-time Italian international emphasizes to Kerkez that slipping is the last resort. If a duel is necessary, in the eyes of the Milan legend, you have already made a mistake.

“But if I’m sure that I can conquer a ball with a slide tackle, then I do it. That’s really in me,” says Kerkez confidently.

Kerkez is developing in Milan, but a permanent place in the first selection of the Italian top club is not possible.

When AZ got in touch in person last January and stressed that he was the intended replacement for Wijndal, Kerkez made the decision and swapped Milan for Alkmaar.

“From the moment we got in touch with AZ it felt good. How they approached me. The board and the coach showed me and my father a lot of respect, so I really wanted to come.”

family Guy

At the age of 18, Kerkez decides not to look for a room in the city or to go to a host family. “My family is with me. We rent a house together. That’s very important to me.”

“They’ve been with me from the start. My father helps me a lot. In football, but also in life. He teaches me how to do it.”

Kerkez is now experiencing a smaller phase in the competition with AZ, but is full of ambition. “We have to keep up with the top 3. And for myself, I have to keep transferring the energy to my team-mates and the stands. I have to have 90 minutes of fire.”

The left-back doesn’t want to look too far ahead. “Of course I dream of playing in the Champions League, or with a big club in the Premier League, in Italy or in the Bundesliga, but I’m focused on the present. What will come, comes.”