MILOS Kerkez singled out “unbelievable” teammate Neto for praise after Cherries played out an entertaining 0-0 draw with Chelsea on Sunday.

Goalkeepers from both sides were in fine form, Robert Sanchez thwarting Dango Ouattara and Dominic Solanke, while Neto was alert to collect his first clean sheet of the season.

Kerkez too played his part in the shut-out, the energetic left-back lasting 73 minutes before being substituted.

Bournemouth Echo: Kerkez has quickly settled into life at CherriesKerkez has quickly settled into life at Cherries (Image: Stuart Martin)

Discussing the clean sheet, Kerkez told the Daily Echo: “That’s important. Neto was also really unbelievable.

“He really helped us a lot, with the saves.

“Everyone worked hard in defence. We didn’t want to concede a goal.

“The front-line was really good, pressing, also the middle line did a lot in midfield, they ran a lot, back and forth.

“Everyone was really on it to keep a clean sheet and to get the point.”

The 19-year-old added: “For sure I believe we could have come out with three points.

“But we didn’t have luck with some chances at the end.

“But we are satisfied with the one point also, I believe. It was a tough game, for sure.

“Both teams did really well, really intense.”

Goalkeeper Neto had already racked up more than 200 appearances for the likes of Fiorentina, Juventus, Valencia and Barcelona, as well as featuring for Brazil, before Kerkez had made his professional debut in football.

Asked what his relationship has been like with his new skipper since arriving at the club from AZ Alkmaar in the summer, Kerkez said: “It’s great, I love Neto.

“He helps me a lot really, talks to me also before every game about specific players, how to take care of them, because he’s really experienced.

“I like Neto a lot, he helps me a lot and he’s a real captain.”

Bournemouth Echo: Milos Kerkez says the battle against Raheem Sterling was not difficultMilos Kerkez says the battle against Raheem Sterling was not difficult (Image: Stuart Martin)

Kerkez’s main battle on Sunday came against Raheem Sterling, who lined up on the right of Chelsea’s attack.

Asked how challenging he found it facing the England international, Kerkez said: “Not difficult, but Sterling is a fast player, a good player and it was for sure a little speed test on the side!

“But I would not say he was difficult, really.”

Prior to the international break, Kerkez was one of the players who appeared to tire towards the latter stages of the 2-2 draw at Brentford.

He then went away and played 160 minutes for Hungary, before being withdrawn during the second half against Chelsea.

Asked how tough it is physically to play with Andoni Iraola’s tactics, Kerkez explained: “I also had the national team break, so I had to play two nearly full games there.

“The last one I played the full 90 minutes. So I am still adapting physically.

“It’s a really tough, intensive league. But I am adapting.

“We gave 100 per cent really, we didn’t want to concede a goal (on Sunday).

“Everyone worked hard. Every game is like this. But we are doing good.”