On-loan Middlesborough right-winger and Liverpool youngster Ben Doak delivers a fantastic performance for Scotland against Croatia in a 1-0 victory. The 19-year-old played a pivotal role for Scotland, facing one of the best centre-backs turned elite fullback in Josko Gvardiol.
Doak enjoyed a steep rise from the Liverpool academy under legendary manager Jurgen Klopp and earned a season-long loan deal. New head coach Arne Slot sent Doak on loan to allow him to rebuild himself after long-term injuries plagued him.
The 19-year-old right-winger on loan at Middlesbrough from the Reds has showcased remarkable development this season in the Championship competition. Doak’s dynamic play has been instrumental in Middlesbrough’s attacking strategies, particularly, with his ability to carry the ball in attack.
At Middlesbrough, Doak has made 10 appearances in the 2024/2025 Championship season, scoring one goal and providing three assists. He has amassed 39 carries into the penalty area this season, ranking fourth among players in Europe’s top five leagues and the Championship. This statistic places him ahead of renowned players like Kylian Mbappé and Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah.
According to Sofascore, Doak had 42 touches and achieved a 90% passing accuracy against Croatia on Friday. He delivered two key passes and completed two accurate long balls, maintaining a 100% long-ball success rate.
Doak won three out of eight ground duels, executed two successful dribbles, and drew one foul against Gvardiol. Defensively, he contributed with one clearance to support his team and track back whenever his team required him.
Salah’s potential successor?
Liverpool legend Salah has continued to excel for Liverpool despite the uncertainties surrounding his contract situation. The 32-year-old has made 17 appearances in all competition, scoring 10 goals and providing 10 assists so far this season.
The Egypt captain is an anomaly for Liverpool who prefer not to give lucrative contracts to ageing players. However, Salah is irreplaceable for Liverpool fans as his leadership, contribution and connection with the fans are incredibly strong.
Furthermore, the Egyptian’s performances and the arrival of Federico Chiesa lowers any risk factor if he stays for a few more seasons. This gives Doak ample time to develop and prove himself as a worthy successor to the 32-year-old at Anfield.
Given Doak’s rapid development and impressive performances, he has a legitimate claim for Salah’s throne at Liverpool. Both players exhibit similar playing styles with contribution as one factor that Doak needs to work on.
Doak’s ability to influence games at a young age mirrors Salah’s impact during his early career despite different journeys. Chelsea halted Salah’s career, forcing him to leave the London club, like many incredible players, to fulfil his potential.
This is where Doak has a slight advantage despite his previous trouble with injuries with a healthy youth development culture at Liverpool. Liverpool’s history of nurturing young talent supports the possibility of Doak stepping into a more prominent role in the future. His loan spell at Middlesbrough provides valuable experience, preparing him for the challenges of top-tier football.
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Doak’s performances for both club and country highlight his potential as a future star ready to write his legacy. His development at Middlesbrough and impactful displays for Scotland suggest he could follow in Mohamed Salah’s footsteps at Liverpool. As Salah continues to deliver outstanding performances, Doak’s progression offers Liverpool a promising prospect for the future.
