Say it quietly, but Liverpool might already have a long-term alternative for Mohamed Salah.
Ben Doak put up the kind of performance that led many to believe he could one day develop into a serious player for Liverpool as Saudi-accelerated talk of succession planning for the Reds’ right flank heated up.
Even though Scotland’s Under-21 team fell to Spain 1-0 on Monday night in Jaen, Doak, who is only 17 years old, was the star of the Under-21 Euro 2025 qualifier.
For Scott Gemmill’s Under-21 team, the former Celtic prodigy was making just his first start, yet he already looked like the most seasoned player on the field, turning defenders inside out at will.
Doak, who was used as a lone centre-forward, once received a short corner, jinked past a defender on the touchline, and forced a save with a rifled effort on the angle early in the game.
Afterward, Gemmill hailed the Liverpool prospect but issued a warning that there is still more to come if he begins playing more regularly for the club.
“Ben Doak gave an outstanding performance,” he stated. Even so, I would say that he still has more to offer.
He isn’t currently totally match-ready due to his little playing time for such a prestigious team. “Consider Ben Doak in top shape!”
Naturally, the spectacle excited Liverpool fans a lot.
Doak even got a wave of applause from the home crowd at one point in the first half, while Spanish supporters online also stopped to appreciate the little star.
One person wrote: “Electricity, self-assurance, ball retention, and the capacity to veer off course and pose a threat. honestly, the game’s best player. Looking forward to seeing him play for Liverpool in the Premier League.
Another praised: “Liverpool have with Ben Doak, what a diamond, 17 years old and pure fire!!!”
