Ben Doak is a “big part of our future,” according to Scotland boss Steve Clarke, who formerly served as first-team coach at Liverpool.
Doak, who switched from Celtic to Liverpool and went from the under-18s to the first squad in a couple of months, had a breakthrough season.
The 17-year-old made five senior appearances for the Reds, made his debut for Scotland’s under-21 team, and finished the season with 12 goals and four assists in 28 games at the academy level.
Doak is already on Clarke’s radar, but he is also a member of the Scotland U21s squad for two friendly against Norway later this month.
Despite not considering the adolescent for an instant call-up, the former Liverpool manager told football.scotland that he was a “big part” of the nation’s future and advised a switch in positions.
He is an attacker and is presumably quite challenging to play against. He merely runs, after all. He is incredibly swift and versatile, according to Clarke.
He is possibly capable of being used as a striker. Just ask him to stretch teams as they come in from behind.
“Once more, he’s still a young man at 17.” He has, however, been present in and around the Liverpool first team without breaking through.
It’s challenging to accomplish at a venue like that, so that’s not a complaint. In the future, hopefully [Doak and Rory Wilson of Aston Villa] be a big part of the future.
But given that Doak only turned 17 in November and has only a few senior matches under his belt, Clarke is still concerned about his development.
“Let’s not put too much pressure on them,” he said.
“However, if someone is playing regularly and scoring goals somewhere else, they can be a member of Scotland’s first-team roster.
“Ben is moving toward that level, but I don’t think he’s quite there yet.
“He can be, for sure, if he proves he’s good enough to be involved.”
Doak is anticipated to remain on the periphery of Liverpool’s first squad for the upcoming season, though his exposure may expand as the team advances in the Europa League.
Although it is nearly difficult to compete with Mohamed Salah for a position on the right wing, there should be enough chances for the young player to advance.
