Liverpool boss Arne Slot faces HUGE decision as pundits RAVE about prodigy

Head coach Arne Slot has been given a headache after a Liverpool youngster impressed on the international stage.

Liverpool came under fire this summer for sending out a plethora of young talent to allow them to get game time, despite only one addition to the first-team squad. However, it seems to have worked out in the club's favour so far.

One youngster, who was already making a name for himself at club level, is now showcasing his exceptional talent playing for his country.

READ MORE: Ben Doak abandons social media

Doak receives high praise

Ben Doak was described as a "standout' performer by former Scotland defender Willie Miller, despite the national side losing 2-1 to Croatia. It is the first time the 18-year-old for Steve Clarke's side in only his second appearance.

His pace down the right-hand side led to Ryan Christie's goal and the youngster is said to have not let the crowd intimidate him.

"It's the willingness to take players on, take pressure off your team, and drag your side up the pitch," former Scotland forward James McFadden said on BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound.

"When he gets into the final third, he can't get it right every time, but he is a threat. We mentioned his age and bringing that freshness, you think it's going to be raw because we’ve not seen a lot of him. But he's making good decisions to hold his position and run in behind and not getting too excited and rushing things."

Doak, who is on loan at Middlesborough, was already leading a key stat in the Championship this season, creating 3.36 chances per 90 for his Boro teammates - the highest figure of any player with more than five appearances. He also ranks fourth in the competition for touches in the opposition's box per 90 (9.07 - five+ apps)

Now he has led another statistic at the international level, as Doak touched the ball in Croatia's box more than any other Scotland player and had more productive dribbles as well.

The Scot has already become a fan favourite for Michael Carrick's side and is now getting recognition playing for his country.

Slot dilemma

With his impressive performances so far, Slot has been handed a difficult decision to make.

The Reds are in the market for a new right-winger as a potential successor to Mohamed Salah, with Dario Osorio and Omar Marmoush emerging as the top targets.

At just 18, Doak has been making a name for himself for a number of years now. Had things gone differently in terms of injury, he may have been a more permanent first-team player.

Now Slot will have to decide whether he gets a squad place next season instead of buying a new right-winger.