Jurgen Klopp admits he might start 17-year-old Liverpool prospect vs Toulouse tonight

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Jurgen Klopp has admitted that he will have to make changes to his Liverpool team this evening.

The Reds are set to take on Toulouse in the Europa League and will hope to maintain their 100 per cent record in the competition this season.

But with a few injuries to contend with – and a busy fixture list – we could see a rotated side. Speaking in his pre-match press conference yesterday, Klopp suggested that one of those changes could be to bring in 17-year-old Ben Doak.

“Obviously Ben really showed up for us, played a really good pre-season,” began the boss, when asked specifically about the youngster.

“He had these minutes with us, had a real impact, Europa League and stuff like this, came on in the Premier League as well and then had this injury. That always for a boy is not cool; it costs a bit of rhythm.

“Now he is back with us, fully training and so is an option for tomorrow, which is really, really helpful for us. As I said, we have to make changes – but we want to make changes with quality. Ben has obvious quality and that’s why it’s really helpful.”

Doak set for Toulouse chance

Given the team news elsewhere, it seems a good bet that Doak will start for Liverpool tonight.

With Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch missing the trip to France, it’s likely that Harvey Elliott will be needed in midfield.

Klopp could of course play Mohamed Salah from the start on the right-wing, but the Egyptian looks in need of a night off. Or at least a portion of it, anyway.

As a result, Doak is the next in line to play. Still just 17, that’s big credit to the Scotsman and an indicator of just how highly he’s rated.

As Jurgen points out, it has been a little while since we’ve seen Doak in action. Having got some early minutes on the board this season, the former Celtic prospect hasn’t featured at all since his start against Leicester City on September 27th.

That wasn’t the easiest game for the young forward, as he missed a couple of decent opportunities to get his first Liverpool goal.

That ought to make Doak even more determined to make an impact this evening.

Likely playing alongside two of Liverpool’s more established forwards in the attack, the teenager will have plenty of quality around him. Go out and show them what you can do, Ben!