Anfield Index
·19 novembre 2024
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Yahoo sportsAnfield Index
·19 novembre 2024
Liverpool’s academy has long been a conveyor belt of talent, but few players have captured the imagination quite like Ben Doak. The Scottish winger is proving to be an electrifying force, not just for his loan club Middlesbrough but also on the international stage with Scotland. At just 19 years old, he’s staking a claim to be one of the most exciting young players in football.
On loan at Middlesbrough, Doak has been dazzling in the Championship, cementing himself as one of the league’s most dynamic players. His creativity is unmatched, ranking in the top 10% for expected assists—a metric that highlights his ability to craft opportunities for teammates.
In 10 appearances, Doak has recorded three assists and a goal, contributing directly to Middlesbrough’s attacking success. It’s not just the numbers, though; his performances have been characterised by his fearless dribbling, sharp movement, and exceptional vision. For Liverpool fans, it’s a tantalising glimpse of what the future might hold when he returns to Anfield.
Doak’s talent isn’t confined to club football. His recent performances for Scotland have sparked widespread acclaim. Against Croatia, the teenager nutmegged Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol—a defender regarded as one of the best in Europe—and played a key role in the winning goal.
Just days later, Doak made an instant impact in Scotland’s 2-1 victory over Poland, providing an assist within the first two minutes. During his 65 minutes on the pitch, he was Scotland’s creative hub, dazzling fans with flicks, stepovers, and moments of sheer audacity. For manager Steve Clarke, Doak’s rise offers a dynamic new dimension to Scotland’s attack.
Photo: IMAGO
With his growing stature at both club and international levels, the question arises: should Ben Doak be part of Liverpool’s first team next season? His loan spell has been a resounding success, and his performances for Scotland underline his ability to thrive under pressure. Arne Slot will have an interesting question to answer come next season, the Dutchman will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on the winger’s progress.
For now, Doak’s journey is a story of promise and potential. Scotland has found a game-changer, and Liverpool may have unearthed a future star capable of defining an era at Anfield.
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