Liverpool got back to winning ways in the Champions League this week with a 3-0 victory away to Ajax on Wednesday night. Unfortunately, the under-18s could not match their senior counterparts, going down 3-1. It was a good week for centre-half Lee Jonas, who signed an extended contract with the Reds.
One of the stars of the current crop of Liverpool youngsters has been summer signing Ben Doak. The young Scot has been wowing onlookers with his skilful running and smart finishing.
Such has been Doak’s impact, many have called for him to become a part of Jürgen Klopp’s squad for the upcoming EFL Cup tie with Derby County.
On the latest episode of our Journo Insight Show, goal.com’s Neil Jones gave his opinion on the 16-year-old wing wizard.
Neil said:
“He looks a lot older than his years if you want to describe him, both physically and the way he plays. He’s 16, he’s played first-team football very briefly for Celtic, signed in the summer. I think he’s got the make-up of someone who believes they’ve got a chance at a very good level, of course it’s not about whether he believes, but I think it will assist his mentality.
The question I’d have about him, he’s 16, we’re not going to pull apart his game yet, is what he’s good at, he’s very good at. What else has he got to round off all the edges? Is he willing to play with teammates? Is he willing to not always go straight for goal – he’s very, very direct in the way he plays. Has he got a one-two in him and a link-up, and an ability to come inside and play a little bit more? If you’re talking about the first three months at a new club and an impact that you’re for from a player that has come in with a bit of a reputation I think he’s ticking an awful lot of boxes. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if we see him around the first team around that Derby fixture.”
Redmen Reacts
There is every chance Doak could be in Liverpool’s squad for Derby County game. Jürgen has put his faith in youth before in big games in the competition, starting the then-17-year-old Kaide Gordon in games against Arsenal and Norwich City. Spanish wonderkid Gavi made his international debut when only marginally older than Ben Doak, so examples are there for the young Scotsman to follow. Doak has 12 goal involvements in just 13 games for LFC u18s, so will be brimming with confidence. The Anfield crowd would undoubtedly love to see the 16-year-old strut his stuff against a tiring Derby defence. With Liverpool’s patchy injury record of late, don’t rule out Ben Doak taking a place on the bench at some point during the season.
