Latest Liverpool news from Newsnow Liverpool as manager gives ‘not fully fit’ verdict on youngster.
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In the current season, despite his young age of 17, Ben Doak has found himself on the periphery of the Liverpool first-team squad.
Ben Doak’s performance for the Scotland under-21s has garnered acclaim, even in the face of his incomplete physical readiness.
The youthful Tartan Army bore witness to a scintillating exhibition by Liverpool’s winger during their initial European Championships 2025 qualifying match against Spain, which concluded with a 1-0 loss. Remarkably, Doak, who typically occupies the role of a natural winger, assumed the duties of a striker and relentlessly tormented the home team throughout his 77-minute tenure.
In the 2022-23 season, the 17-year-old enjoyed a remarkable campaign with the Reds after transferring from Celtic the previous summer. He notched an impressive tally of 11 goals and contributed eight assists in 27 appearances across the under-18, under-19, and under-21 levels. Consequently, he earned the privilege of featuring in five matches under the tutelage of Jurgen Klopp.
Throughout this season, Doak has remained an integral part of Liverpool’s first-team squad, making a cameo appearance off the bench in the inaugural fixture, which concluded in a 1-1 draw against Chelsea. In the remaining three fixtures, he sat as an unused substitute, waiting for his opportunity to shine.
Scott Gemmill, the manager of Scotland’s under-21s, conceded that Doak’s form is not at its zenith due to his limited game time this season. Nevertheless, he effusively praised the budding talent’s performance.
Quoting from the Daily Record, Gemmill said, “Ben Doak delivered an exceptional performance. I would venture to posit that there is still untapped potential within him. Presently, he’s not fully match fit owing to his limited appearances, as he is playing for such a good club.”
“imagine, a fully-fit Ben Doak! In my estimation, this constituted a truly exemplary performance, and I trust it resonated with all observers. Kudos to the players for executing the game plan. If I may indulge a modicum of candor, I do not harbour substantial disappointment, for I harbour immense pride in my players.”