Ben Doak, an 18-year-old winger, joined Liverpool’s academy from Celtic Youth at the age of just 16. During Jurgen Klopp’s time at the club, he continued to show promise as he was used in the first team, mainly in cup competitions.
The young Scottish winger, who is recovering from a serious injury last season, joined Middlesbrough on a season-long loan this season in search of opportunities.
He also made his debut for his country’s full national team in a recent Nations League match against Poland, where he immediately showed his extraordinary talent by being involved in the goal.
With a Championship spell awaiting the young Scotland attacker, senior Liverpool and national team player Andy Robertson revealed his feelings about not wanting to put pressure on him and said that a brilliant career was ahead of him.
“I ain’t gonna put any pressure on the wee man, I love Doaky,”
“I’ve got a lot of time for him. I can see the quality he’s got at Liverpool. He’s obviously gone out on loan now to Middlesbrough which will give him so much good experience.”
“He’s a hungry individual, he’s very determined to do the best for himself and the team and that’s important.”
“He’s exciting, but we have to be careful. He’s a young player, he needs to gain experience, he needs to work on things, but the quality he does have is very good and I think he will have a fantastic career at whatever level that may be.”
“I also think he will have a good international career but it’s important we are patient with him, it’s important that we see him grow, and let him grow”
“Sometimes we get on top of young players far too quickly and we need to let them grow, be excited, and not get too carried away. I think he’ll be an amazing player for Scotland.”
He is not blessed with height, but his sharp dribbling and bullish attitude are outstanding for his age group, and if he learns how to pull off and pass the ball in addition to straight one-on-one in the Championship, he could be a first team squad member next season.
With Liverpool boasting a solid attacking line-up, including Italian international Federico Chiesa, it will be tough for him to compete regularly, but he has the potential to get there, and we can’t wait to see him dribble over opposition defenders.