Liverpool staff are excited about the potential being shown by 17-year-old academy winger Ben Doak.
Doak has made huge strides since arriving at Anfield last summer. Already boasting five appearances for the first team, the Scottish youngster obviously has something special.
And as per The Athletic, that talent is being acknowledged by those around the club. They claim that Liverpool won’t sign a new forward player this summer, as they look to clear a pathway to regular senior football for Doak.
Should Roberto Firmino turn down the Reds’ contract offer, they reportedly may still be tempted to enter the market. But otherwise, those at the club are said to be desperate not to ‘block’ the youngster’s ascent to the first team.
Much more to come from Doak
Doak had the look of a smart signing when he arrived from Celtic last year. Then just sixteen, the flying winger had already appeared in the Glaswegian’s senior side.
Despite his experience of men’s football though, Doak was initially slated to be in the Liverpool U18s squad.
He soon made light work of that. His scintillating goal-scoring displays quickly earning him a move up to the U21s. Before long he was catching the eye of Jurgen Klopp, Pep Lijnders and co. A senior Liverpool debut beckoned.
Since his appearance off the bench against Derby County in November, excitement has rightly been building about Doak.
Four more substitute features have followed, and a first Liverpool start doesn’t look too far away.
A recent injury means the Scotland U21 star hasn’t been involved in a squad since the mid-January win over Wolves. The returns to fitness of Firmino, Diogo Jota and, imminently, Luis Diaz also mean he’s a little further away from the pitch than he was.
But even with all those star-studded names coming back, you’d still back Doak to find a way into contention.
His pace and direct approach is the type to get bums off seats in the crowd. If you’ve got that kind of player in your ranks, you can’t help but be excited. With a few more appearances perhaps this season and a full pre-season with the first team under his belt, there’s a lot to look forward to with young Ben in 2023/24.
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