Kenny Dalglish’s former Liverpool assistant has offered an interesting insight into where a Reds prospect could play in the future, providing Jürgen Klopp a new option.
A potential new position for an academy talent has been suggested by a former Liverpool coach in advance of what could be a significant preseason for the young player.
In order for the young Reds players to establish their separate claims for playing time ahead of next season, it is likely that the upcoming months will be of crucial importance given the plethora of additions that are anticipated at Anfield this summer.
Indeed, given that Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League last season and thus qualified for the Europa League, one can anticipate that Jürgen Klopp will look to use the competition’s group stage as an opportunity to test out young players and fringe players.
Ben Doak, a Scottish prospect who impressed during a number of cameo appearances for the first team last season as well as for the club’s various youth teams, could be one of the biggest winners from this.
The 17-year-old, who moved from Celtic to Merseyside last summer with a growing reputation, showed great promise across all age groups by participating in 19 goals in 32 games in 2022–2023.
His brief forays into the action with his dribbling prowess and unwavering efforts against teams like Aston Villa in the Premier League as well as Derby County and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the cups were undoubtedly the highlights of his season.
His performances appear to have been noticed on the international stage as well, as former Liverpool coach and current Scotland manager Steve Clarke has expressed his admiration for the young player.
“He’s an attacker and probably a really difficult player to play against because he just runs,” he said to football.scotland. He’s so quick and he can go either way.”
Interestingly, Kenny Dalglish’s former Reds assistant also offered some insight into what Doak’s future position at club and international level could be as his game continues to grow in the coming years.
He added: “You could certainly play him as a striker. Just ask him to stretch teams as they come in from behind. Again, at 17, he is still a child. 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. Hopefully, [Doak and Rory Wilson of Aston Villa] can play a significant role in our future moving forward.
“Let’s not put too much pressure on them. But if someone is playing regularly somewhere and scoring goals, they can be in Scotland’s first-team squad.
Although I don’t believe Ben is quite there yet, he is making progress. He can be involved for sure if he proves to be good enough.
Doak is obviously very talented, as evidenced by his brief appearances for the first team last season, according to Liverpool.com.
One gets the impression that the Scottish starlet’s development will continue in the upcoming season, but there is still hope that more first-team football exposure, whether in the Europa League or other cup competitions, could really help his development.
