Liverpool youngster Ben Doak is catching the eyes of the football audience during his loan spell at Middlesbrough this season. Doak recently played in the 1-1 draw against Burnley and despite the intensity of the contest, he dazzled the fans.
The 19-year-old struggled with injury issues last season after earning senior team opportunities under the Reds’ legendary manager Jurgen Klopp. Liverpool sent Doak on the season-long loan deal this summer due to the stacked attacking department currently at the club.
The other main reason behind the loan deal was the chance for him to improve his fitness and gain experience. The young Scotsman has also established himself as a regular performer at the international level under his captain Andy Robertson.
Liverpool on-loan star Ben Doak gave the world's second-most costliest defender Josko Gvardiol nightmares during the November international break clash between Scotland and Croatia.
Liverpool on-loan star Ben Doak gave the world’s second-most costliest defender Josko Gvardiol nightmares during the November international break clash between Scotland and Croatia.
Many Liverpool fans consider Doak as the long-term successor of legendary forward Mohamed Salah at the Merseyside with similar potential. However, there are always doubts when the youngster struggles with injury and loses a big chunk of his development period.
Nevertheless, Doak is displaying this season that there is more to him than just early hype from the excited fanbase. Salah has continued his prolific form for Liverpool, proving that there is a lot of time before his peak ends.
This allows Doak enough time to hone his skills and later succeed the legendary Egyptian forward as the regular starter. The 19-year-old has helped Middlesbrough fight for the EFL Championship play-offs spot, currently fifth in the table with 31 points.
Doak has played 13 games for Middlesbrough with one goal and five assists so far this season. The Scottish international is at the 99th percentile in the Championship with 0.44 assists per 90 minutes for the Boros.
Furthermore, he is at the 93rd percentile with 0.53 goals and assists per 90 minutes from six total contributions. Doak has also made 3.01 passes per 90 minutes, sitting comfortably at the 99th percentile in the Championship.
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The 19-year-old is also at the 99th percentile with his dribbles (5.24 per 90 minutes) and successful dribbles (2.62 per 90 minutes). Doak received immense praise on social media from Liverpool fans for his solo dazzling moments for Middlesbrough against Burnley (via @BradleyLFC24v3 on X).
The Scotland international has all the potential to become Salah’s successor at Anfield with only consistency as his final hurdle. Doak’s tenacity, work ethic, technical qualities and agility make him a typical Liverpool forward waiting for his time to shine.