Football Today
·16 November 2024
Football Today
·16 November 2024
Liverpool boss Arne Slot contemplated bringing Ben Doak back from his loan spell last month, and it is easy to understand why.
The Reds sent the 19-year-old on loan to Middlesbrough this summer instead of selling him, a move that has proved to be a masterstroke.
Doak has been enjoying a terrific campaign for Boro, and Slot will also be extremely happy with the youngster’s performance for Scotland
The young right-winger made his third start for the Tartan Army on Friday night and played a vital role as they won 1-0 against Croatia.
Doak was sensational, tormenting Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol throughout the game.
BBC Sport journalist Tom English described Doak as ‘fearless’ and ‘electrifying’ for stealing the show from Luka Modric.
He wrote: “Young Ben, 19, fearless and flying down Scotland’s right, against Josko Gvardiol, the renowned £77m man from Manchester City. No contest.
“The margin of Scotland’s victory was tight. The margin of Doak’s superiority was vast.
“Doak was electrifying long before the endgame. The Liverpool teenager, on loan at Middlesbrough, was a whirling dervish, a human blur taking the fight to Croatia.”
The Daily Record gave him an 8/10 rating for his dazzling display.
They wrote: “Third start in a row and gave Josko Gvardiol a torrid time. Brilliant turn left Man City man eating dirt in first half. Skinned him again at winner.”
The Reds must allow Doak to continue playing for Boro until the end of the season.
He is bubbling with confidence at the moment, and it is really exciting for all the Liverpool fans to watch him grow.
With a complete season under his belt, he will be in great shape ahead of the 2025/26 pre-season, and Slot can easily integrate him into the squad.
Liverpool may have to replace Mohamed Salah at some point in the future, but Doak can save them millions of pounds if he cements his position in the senior side under Slot.