Liverpool have a player out on loan earning rave reviews from fans. Is he really ‘better than Mo Salah’?
Ben Doak bagged his first-ever senior goal on Saturday as he scored for Middlesbrough. Boro ended up beating Stoke City 2-0 at home - with Doak earning rave reviews for his display.
This wasn't just a case of scoring a tap-in (though, the goal was fairly routine). The winger is electrifying his team's support and getting talked up as too good for the Championship level already.
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Not being dramatic but Ben Doak might be better than Salah
— Alfie (@alfredmfc) September 28, 2024
Doak looks leagues apart from anybody on the pitch. What a talent
— Mark (@_mstephenson88) September 28, 2024
Ben Doak some young talent.
— Steptoe (@Steptoesyard) September 28, 2024
How we landed Ben Doak is insane
Pure cheat code at this level
— LIÂM (@Sm0ggs) September 28, 2024
Ben Doak is an unbelievable player for the Championship.
Wouldn’t be surprised if Liverpool keep him next year, at all.
— Ronan (@restdefence__) September 28, 2024
'A pure cheat code' - it's high praise for someone who hasn't actually played much senior football at all. Doak likely would have more games under his belt for Liverpool but an injury robbed him of opportunities last season.
He impressed again this summer but it was decided a loan would suit him above all. It's now quickly proving to be the case.
Ben Doak thriving
Two tackles, four shots and four key passes (match-high). That would represent a magnificent game even without the goal.
Doak is showing himself to have the kind of quality you rarely see in a player that young. He makes things happen in several different ways, and he's doing it at what still feels like the beginning of his career.
After all, Doak is just 18. He doesn't turn 19 until November.
It's all reminiscent of Harvey Elliott, who also dropped down into the Championship for extra experience as a teenager. He thrived at Balckburn Rovers, immediately proving to everyone that he has the ability to make it at the highest level one day.
Doak is suggesting he's of the same quality. There's still a long way to go, of course, as the season is so young. But if fans are still talking about him this way in a few months, it'll be the Elliott effect all over again.