Andy Robertson has been blown away by what he’s seen from Liverpool youngster Ben Doak during training.
Doak has been a revelation since arriving at Anfield last summer, working his way up to a first-team debut aged just seventeen. And speaking to liverpoolfc.com, Robertson has praised the impact that he and fellow youngster Stefan Bajcetic have had.
“He’s [Bajcetic] a fantastic player. He’s got a huge future ahead of him, lots of potential. He was unbelievable. When he came on he broke up the play, that’s what he’s probably well known for, not quite his goalscoring, but it was a massive goal for us,” said the Scotland captain. “I’m so happy for him and young Ben.
“I’ve got a soft spot for young Ben for obvious reasons. When he came on I was just buzzing for him. For such a young age he’s been unbelievable since he’s come into the squad, no fear, trying to dribble past all of us, keeping us young and keeping us fresh. We saw that.”
“Fair play to all the young lads, they all step up and we’ve got some brilliant ones around us. It’s important we try to help them, they are the future and I think they both showed our future is pretty bright.”
Doak will be hoping for a further taste of first team action as Liverpool take on Leicester City this evening.
Doak justifying the hype
Doak has been one of the brightest spots of what has been a difficult season for Liverpool so far.
His arrival from Celtic last summer was greeted with much anticipation, and it’s now clear to see why. It has taken the 17-year-old no time at all to get his chance in the senior squad.
And he really has earnt it, too. Impressing no end in the underage teams, Doak has made an impression in each of his short appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s first team.
On Monday, he sold Lucas Digne a lovely dummy just seconds after coming on. As Robertson says, he has no fear and no respect for the senior pros he’s facing. Doak just wants to get on the ball and run at you, no matter who you are.
With Cody Gakpo’s arrival into the forward line, Doak may see his chances limited ever so slightly. But with years ahead of him in his development, that may not be such a bad thing.
Gakpo doesn’t arrive until January 1st though, and there’s still a game to navigate before then. Should the Scotland U21 star get some game time at Anfield this evening, expect to be wowed yet again.