Liverpool intends to extend Ben Doak’s loan spell at Middlesbrough for the rest of this season, recognizing the young winger’s rising impact for club and country. The 19-year-old turned heads on Monday night, showcasing his talents for Scotland’s Nations League campaign.
Doak joined Liverpool in 2022 at just 17, and his talent was on display fast. The following year, he scored his first goal for the Reds in a pre-season friendly against Leicester City, foreshadowing his potential to shine on bigger stages, like in the Premier League or even the Champions League.
This season, Doak has been developing his talents at Middlesbrough, featuring in 10 league matches and netting a single goal. While the offensive numbers don’t leap off the page, and the club sits 7th in the Championship table, his performances have drawn praise for their precision and speed.
According to Give Me Sport, he is set to remain at the club for the second half of the season before getting a chance to come back and stake his claim at Anfield.
Three minutes into Scotland’s recent win against Croatia, Doak set up club veteran John McGinn with a pinpoint cross that resulted in a right-footed goal from the center of the box. Doak’s consistent, aggressive approach led to him seeking more goal-scoring opportunities against Poland, including a right-footed attempt of his own after being set up by Scott McTominay. Although the shot didn’t find the back of the net, his goal-seeking play continued to create opportunities.
Later in the first half, Doak won a crucial free kick and continued to carve out chances for teammates like McTominay and Lyndon Dykes. Scotland could not capitalize on the opportunities, and he was substituted in the 66th minute for Ryan Christie with the game locked at 1-1. Christie’s brief time on the pitch included a yellow card within five minutes of his arrival. Scotland went on to win the game in extra time after Andy Robertson scored a header off a cross from John Souttar.
Doak’s performances for Scotland and Middlesbrough underline why Liverpool remains invested in his development. Especially as the contact of Mohamed Salah continues to dominate club headlines.
The winger’s proficiency in creating chances and his fearless approach to the ball suggest he could be a key piece for Liverpool. According to football reference, Doak ranks among the top 95 percentile among all attacking wingers worldwide for progressive carries, successful takes-ons, and touches over the last year.
For now, the Reds appear content to let him continue refining his craft at Middlesbrough, confident that the experience will prepare him for bigger challenges. He ranks third on the team in assists behind Finn Azaz and Riley McGree and has been a catalyst to the club’s 17 goals this season.
