Kenny Dalglish briefly touched on Jurgen Klopp’s reaction to Ben Doak this week after the youngster made his Liverpool debut. The boss loved what he saw.
Ben Doak got his Liverpool debut last week, coming off the bench against Derby County. The 17-year-old, who signed his professional contract this weekend, played the final period of the game before the Reds won on penalties.
So what did Jurgen Klopp think of Doak? Sir Kenny Dalglish shared the boss’s reaction in a column for the Sunday Post.
“Jurgen was also delighted with Ben Doak’s debut for Liverpool,” said Dalglish. “He came on as a sub and made a really good contribution.”
It was fairly clear that Klopp enjoyed Doak’s performance, given he named him on the bench against Southampton this weekend. The Scot didn’t get on but it was a sign of how close he is to the first team.
Ben Doak gets debut
Doak earned rave reviews for his cameo, with Stephen Warnock feeling he was the most dangerous player on the pitch after he came on. Given Roberto Firmino and Darin Nunez were also out there, that’s some statement.
Doak constantly ran at defenders and showed absolutely no fear with being on the bigger stage. He was direct, aggressive and clearly skilled – even if his end product was a little lacking.
Still, there was enough there to show what a talent he is. No one who has watched Doak for the academy will have been surprised, of course. He’s a fantastic player on the ball, constantly going at players and making things happen. Some of his displays have been sensational.
Now, Doak will find it tough to get a look-in post-World Cup. Luis Díaz and Diogo Jota will be back, taking up spots in the forward three. It won’t be long, though, before he’s getting Premier League games – the talent there is simply too good to ignore.
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