CHERRIES fans got their first look at new signing Milos Kerkez at St Mary’s Stadium on Tuesday night.

The highly-rated teenager came straight into the starting XI, less than a week on from completing his reported £15.5million move from AZ Alkmaar.

And Kerkez caught the eye, playing 77 minutes as Cherries ran out 3-2 winners over Southampton in a pre-season friendly.

Bournemouth Echo:

Andoni Iraola named a strong XI for the contest, with many of those selected likely to also start the first Premier League game of the season against West Ham United on August 12.

Kerkez, 19, lined up at left-back, next to Marcos Senesi and behind Jaidon Anthony.

And he showed his potential at both ends of the pitch.

Kerkez unleashed the first shot of his fledgling Cherries career inside 10 minutes of the contest.

His rising effort was tipped over the crossbar by former England goalkeeper Alex McCarthy.

Kerkez then played his part in Iraola’s high-pressing system, battling to win the ball on the edge of the box, helping to create a chance for Ryan Christie.

Upon signing for Cherries, the Hungary international described himself as “crazy left-back” adding “it’s just in my DNA to run up and down”.

Bournemouth Echo:

He was soon called into action at the other end, sliding in, with his arms behind his back, to bravely block a low cross from Saints right-back James Bree from reaching danger.

Partnerships down the flanks can take some time to develop, but the Hungary international showed promising flashes of a link-up with Anthony.

He played a quick one-two with the winger, around youngster Sam Amo-Ameyaw, before firing in hard and low. The ball evaded all the blue shirts in the centre.

Just before the break, Kerkez was part of a defensive unit which failed to deal with a wide free-kick from Saints.

Bournemouth Echo:

As Ryan Manning prepared to deliver, Kerkez was involved in some pushing and shoving with Lyanco and Shea Charles at the back post.

The latter would eventually leap between Kerkez and Chris Mepham, powering home a header, leaving Cherries’ left-back on the floor.

Into the second half and Kerkez would be involved in another flashpoint, as the ‘friendly’ flared up.

Moussa Djenepo went down in the box, looking for a penalty under the challenge of Adam Smith.

Referee James Linington waved it away, instead awarding a corner.

Bournemouth Echo:

An argument broke out with Kerkez one of the first men on the scene, he and Mepham confronting Djenepo, before Lyanco also got involved for the hosts.

After Saints introduced some fresh legs down the right flank, it understandably made life a bit trickier for Cherries’ new boy.

Tino Livramento came on just past the hour mark and beat Kerkez in a one-on-one, getting his cross into the box which was cleared by Senesi.

Bournemouth Echo:

Kerkez was withdrawn shortly afterwards, replaced by Ben Greenwood.

All in all, a promising first showing from Kerkez in a Cherries shirt, packed with pace, energy and a bit of fire.

He will get a first chance to showcase his skills in front of the home fans when Serie A side Atalanta visit Vitality Stadium on Saturday (3pm).

What did you make of Kerkez's performance against Southampton? Comment below.