Liverpool have plucked another gem from the academy at Kirkby who is already showing signs of following Raheem Sterling’s path at Anfield.
The performances of teenager Ben Doak are expected to offer Jurgen Klopp a selection dilemma, and Liverpool may well have another Raheem Sterling among their ranks. The 17-year-old is making waves at Anfield following some standout preseason performances. The teenager is ready to make an impact in the Premier League and cup competitions this season, and Klopp has spoken highly of his development.
Doak took advantage of his moment in the spotlight during the international break after playing 77 minutes for Scotland Under-21s in their 1-0 loss to Spain. The forward will be eager to receive some first-minute action under Klopp before making his comeback to Anfield this week.
Doak was acquired from Scottish champions Celtic in 2021, and although likely anticipating to spend a few years growing in the academy, the Glaswegian has made a significant impact. Given that he joined from QPR and it quickly became apparent that he was good enough for the senior team, he has rapidly transformed into Liverpool’s next Sterling in that regard.
It is much the same with Doak. He scored a beautiful header and caused mayhem in a 4-0 preseason thrashing of Leicester, which Klopp credited to his “special” quintet of Dominik Szoboszlai, Darwin Nunez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Doak. When Klopp attempted to find a winner against Chelsea, he was given a quick 13-minute cameo, but the game ended scoreless.
Doak, who has already made his debut for Liverpool, is now a familiar face on the substitutes’ bench, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get the start against teams like LASK Linz and Toulouse in the Europa League group stages.
