Liverpool U18’s coach Jay Spearing has raved about the progress made by first-team youngster Ben Doak.
Speaking with the club’s official website for his Academy column, the former Reds midfielder lavished praise on the 17-year-old, claiming he is more than deserving of his opportunity with Jurgen Klopp’s squad.
“At the end of the day, our main job is to develop players so they can eventually challenge for a place in the first team,” Spearing said. “So, we are going in the right direction with the likes of Stefan Bajcetic and Ben Doak doing so well up there.
“Ben was in our team at the start of the season, and he was absolutely flying. He has made rapid progress and he is a great kid. We want to get players moving up the ladder and Ben has done that, playing for the U21’s and then getting his first-team opportunity.
“Ben has got his head down, he works so hard, and he has got a great mentality. That drive and desire the boy has, it’s no surprise to us he has done so well. Fingers crossed, he can keep it going and keep getting better because the lad has a lot of ability.”
Spearing raves about Doak’s progress
The teenager is certainly one of the most exciting young talents currently emerging out of the Kirkby academy.
At just 17-years-old, the attacker has already made five appearances for the first-team, including two cameos in the Premier League.
The U21 Scotland international has been most impressive for the seniors, clearly unfazed by the step-up in competition.
Besides Mohamed Salah, Liverpool have a lack of options on the right-wing.
Therefore, if he can continue to great work behind the scenes, Doak will likely see an increase in his minutes on the Anfield pitch.
While Klopp won’t want to burn him out, if the 17-year-old can keep developing at the same rate, the club will have a serious prospect on their hands in the next couple of years.