International Manager Shares Honest Verdict on Liverpool Wonderkid Following Senior Debut | OneFootball

Steve Clarke’s Take on Ben Doak: Liverpool’s Rising Star Impresses for Scotland

Ben Doak is making waves this season as he steps up to senior football, balancing commitments between Liverpool and the Scotland national team. This 18-year-old winger, formerly with Celtic, has had a notable start, especially after his recent loan move to Middlesbrough in the Championship. Under Michael Carrick’s guidance, Doak is proving his mettle, earning a coveted spot in Steve Clarke’s Scotland side.

This weekend marked a pivotal moment in Doak’s budding career as he made his first start for Scotland in a tough 2-1 loss against Croatia. Despite the result, Doak showcased his potential, prompting manager Steve Clarke to share his thoughts on the youngster’s performance.

Clarke’s Optimism for Doak’s Future with Scotland

After the match, Clarke spoke to the media, expressing his satisfaction with Doak’s debut start for Scotland. His remarks hinted at further opportunities for the young Liverpool talent in Scotland’s upcoming fixture against Portugal.

“I’m really pleased for Ben and as a coach, I’m pleased with Ben. That’s his first start; I’m sure it won’t be his last. He’s got attributes and qualities, that’s why he’s in the squad,” Clarke said. He continued, “We see what Ben’s got for us, but you have to be careful with young players. The injuries have probably accelerated his first start, and it was good. We can build on that and assess whether he’s ready to start again on Tuesday night.”

Clarke was keen to strike a balance, celebrating Doak’s skills while emphasising a careful approach to his development. “Let’s enjoy Ben, but let’s not put too much pressure on him. He knows he’s got parts of his game to improve. He’s not a shy boy, he’s a good character, good in the dressing room.”

How Scotland Minutes Can Shape Doak’s Future

As one of Liverpool’s most promising young players, Doak has already demonstrated glimpses of brilliance this season. His loan at Middlesbrough allows him to gain the experience he needs to hone his skills, positioning him as a future star in the Premier League. Clarke’s faith in Doak underlines Scotland’s plans to integrate the winger into their long-term vision, with regular international minutes forming an essential part of this journey.

Scotland’s recent successes, including qualifying for back-to-back European Championships, reflect a team on the rise. Players like Doak are critical to this momentum. Many Scotland fans are already looking to him as a potential future talisman, recognising the importance of early international exposure to accelerate his growth.

Liverpool and Scotland: Dual Pathways to Success

Doak’s dual commitments with Liverpool and Scotland can work in tandem to further his development. As he continues to prove himself at Middlesbrough, he’s gaining the skills and confidence needed to shine both in the Premier League and on the international stage.

With a strong work ethic and undeniable potential, Doak’s journey is only just beginning. As Clarke continues to nurture him within the Scotland setup, and with the guidance he receives from Liverpool, the future looks bright for this young talent. The coming years promise much for both club and country as Doak establishes himself as one of the UK’s most exciting prospects.