Liverpool boss Arne Slot contemplated bringing Ben Doak back from his loan spell last month, and one can understand why.
Instead of selling the 19-year-old, the Reds sent him out on loan to Middlesbrough this summer, a move that has proved to be a masterstroke.
Doak has been enjoying a terrific campaign for Boro, and Slot will be extremely happy with the youngster’s performance for his country as well.
The young right winger made his third start for Scotland on Friday night and played a vital role as the Tartan Army won 1-0 against Croatia.
Doak was sensational on the night as he tormented Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol throughout the game.
How the national press reacted to Ben Doak’s display for Scotland
BBC Sport journalist Tom English has hailed Doak as “fearless” and “electrifying” for having stolen the show from Luka Modric.
He wrote: “Young Ben, 19, fearless and flying down Scotland’s right, against Josko Gvardiol, the renowned £77m man from Manchester City. No contest.
“The margin of Scotland’s victory was tight. The margin of Doak’s superiority was vast.
“Doak was electrifying long before the endgame. The Liverpool teenager, on loan at Middlesbrough, was a whirling dervish, a human blur taking the fight to Croatia.”
The Daily Record said he left Gvardiol “eating dirt”, and they have given him an 8/10 rating for his dazzling display.
The newspaper wrote: “Third start in a row and gave Josko Gvardiol a torrid time. Brilliant turn left Man City man eating dirt in first half. Skinned him again at winner.”
Bright future for Doak at Liverpool
The Reds must allow Doak to continue playing for Boro until the end of the season.
He is bubbling with confidence at the moment, and it is really exciting for all the Liverpool fans to watch him grow.
With a complete season under his belt, he will be in great shape ahead of the 2025/26 pre-season, and Slot can easily integrate him into the side.
Liverpool may have to replace Mohamed Salah at some point in the future, but Doak can save millions if he cements his position in the senior side under Slot..
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