Move Over Doak: Liverpool Could Unearth the Next Gareth Bale in Slot’s “Special” Star
Liverpool’s first-team squad has been nothing short of spectacular this season, blending Arne Slot’s tactical vision with the immense talent within Anfield’s ranks. The synergy on display has been a key highlight of their performances.
Currently leading both the Premier League and their Champions League group, the Reds are riding a wave of success. With such a strong start, this campaign holds great potential for glory, with the team positioned to achieve significant milestones by season’s end.
However, sustaining this dominance for the long term requires careful planning. At the heart of this challenge is the uncertain future of three key players—Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold—whose contracts are set to expire next summer. Their continued commitment is crucial to Liverpool’s long-term ambitions.
Sporting director Richard Hughes and FSG football chief Michael Edwards face significant decisions in this regard. Nevertheless, Liverpool’s well-established structure provides a solid foundation for building sustained success over the coming years.
Meanwhile, a new generation of talent is emerging, capturing attention with their potential. Among them, Ben Doak stands out as perhaps Liverpool’s most promising teenager. Despite being away from Merseyside at the moment, he continues to shine on prominent stages, hinting at a bright future.
Ben Doak’s Season in Numbers
Ben Doak joined Liverpool from Celtic in 2022 at the age of 16, with the transfer involving a compensation fee of £600,000. His talent was clear from the beginning, prompting his agent, Jackie McNamara, to describe him as “the Scottish Wayne Rooney,” thanks to his stocky physique, athleticism, and dynamic playing style.
Unfortunately, during the 2023/24 season, Doak suffered a meniscus tear, an injury affecting the cartilage that cushions the thighbone and kneebone.
This setback ruled him out of action for a significant period, preventing him from contributing to Liverpool’s youthful squad, which secured the Carabao Cup and made a strong impression despite a spate of injuries.
Given the intense competition for playing time at Arne Slot’s Liverpool, it was unlikely Doak would feature regularly. As a result, a loan move for the 2024/25 season was deemed the best option. He has since flourished at Middlesbrough in the Championship, showcasing his potential on a consistent basis.
With three assists in his last two Championship appearances for Middlesbrough, the Scottish winger is quickly building a reputation for himself, seamlessly carrying his form onto the international stage.
On Friday evening, Doak delivered a standout performance for Scotland, playing a key role in a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Josko Gvardiol and his team. Gvardiol, a Manchester City star who joined the club in a high-profile £78 million transfer in 2023, struggled to contain the dynamic 18-year-old.
In their post-match player ratings, The National Scot awarded Doak an impressive 8/10. The review highlighted his “audacious backheel flick” that outwitted Gvardiol, as well as his relentless energy and determination throughout the match.
| Ben Doak – Match Stats vs Croatia (15/11/24) | |
|---|---|
| Match Stats | # |
| Minutes played | 89′ |
| Touches | 42 |
| Shots (on target) | 1 (0) |
| Accurate passes | 27/30 (90%) |
| Key passes | 2 |
| Dribbles (completed) | 4 (2) |
| Total duels (won) | 8 (3) |
| Stats Source Sofascore | |
It was Doak who dropped the shoulder and beat his man before placing a delivery into the centre, parried and skewed by Croatian defences but only into the path of John McGinn, whose fizzed strike bypassed the net and handed The Tartan Army a spirit-lifting victory.
Already beginning to draw comparisons to Wales icon Gareth Bale, Doak has a big future ahead, but he’s not the only rising Liverpool star who’s garnering such noise. Indeed, Conor Bradley is also becoming a mainstay for his nation, and earning Bale-focused chatter too.
Conor Bradley Could be Slot’s Own Bale
While Ben Doak’s talents are undeniable, he’s not the only young Liverpool player with pace and a dynamic presence capable of lighting up the flanks.
Conor Bradley is another standout talent and could potentially become Liverpool’s first-choice right-back next season if circumstances align in his favour.
At just 21 years old, Bradley boasts a versatile skill set that makes him well-suited for more advanced positions on the pitch. This is a role he frequently takes on for Northern Ireland, where he is regarded as one of the team’s key players.
During an interview earlier in 2024, Bradley admitted that Bale was his idol growing up, and someone that he sought to emulate with his own playing style.
“He got his big move to Real Madrid,” the right-back said. “Wales are a small nation, but he did so well for Wales and was their best player for so many years.”
Conor Bradley’s attacking qualities have drawn comparisons to Welsh football legend Gareth Bale. Journalists like Jack Lusby have even dubbed him Northern Ireland’s version of the iconic forward, who famously secured five Champions League trophies and three La Liga titles with Real Madrid.
According to FBref, Bradley ranks impressively among full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year. He is in the top 6% for assists, top 4% for progressive carries, and top 7% for tackles per 90 minutes. These statistics highlight his exceptional ball-carrying ability, rivaling that of Bale.
Whether Bradley transitions from a full-back to a dominant winger remains uncertain, but there’s no doubt Liverpool have a future star on their hands. He’s a standout talent waiting for his moment within Arne Slot’s senior squad.
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill has described Bradley as a “really special talent,” and the numbers back up that claim. With three goals and two appearances as captain in 2024, Bradley’s development has been impressive, showing steady progress with every game.
To secure a regular spot in Liverpool’s starting XI under Slot, Bradley must continue pushing himself. However, his trajectory suggests he’s on the right path to becoming a key player for both club and country.
In other news, Liverpool “Shortlist” Premier League Defender as January Transfer Plan Emerges
