EXCLUSIVE: The FULL lowdown on Ben Doak's INCREDIBLE Middlesbrough loan spell

Ben Doak has been making waves since leaving Liverpool on loan last summer.

Not only has he become one of the best young prospects in the Championship but he has also established himself as an integral part of the senior Scottish national team.

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Having only just turned 19 years old, it's fair to say that the hype is real when it comes to the right-winger.

Anfield Watch has been waxing lyrical about his performances with a number of articles over the last few weeks but we want to find out just how impressive he has been from someone who watches him week in week out.

That's why we sat down with talkSPORT writer and Middlesbrough content creator Phil Spencer to get the full lowdown on Doak.

Ben Doak Q&A with Phil Spencer

Anfield Watch: How excited were the fans about Doak before he signed for the club? Has he delivered on expectations or has he surpassed them?

Phil Spencer: There’s no doubt that Middlesbrough fans were excited by Ben Doak’s arrival, but since then he’s exceeded expectations and then some.

I’ve been aware of Doak’s story and his journey to the periphery of Liverpool’s first team but I definitely thought the loan move could be something of a slow-burner – particularly after his lengthy injury lay-off.

While he had to be patient for his chance at first, he’s now arguably the first name on the team sheet and someone who Boro fans are really enjoying watching week in, week out.

Anfield Watch: What stands out about Doak right now? And what can he improve on?

Phil Spencer: Middlesbrough have had heaps of players on loan from the Premier League over the years – some are good, others are overpaid show ponies who think they’re better than us.

Ben Doak just gets it. For a 19-year-old he shows real maturity. He doesn’t chase the game – he knows his role and he knows the art of being patient so that he gets the ball in the right positions to cause problems.

He’s fast, direct and has excellent final delivery, but the thing I love most is that he has that edge and personality where he wants to cause problems. He’s quiet and unassuming at times, but is hungry and demanding of his teammates and loves to wind up his opponents.

In terms of improvements, it’s hard to pinpoint anything. Perhaps he could add more goals but considering the amount of chances he’s creating and assists he’s racking up, I don’t think anyone is complaining.

Anfield Watch: Where does he rank in terms of the best and worst players in the team?

Phil Spencer: This season Middlesbrough are undoubtedly the best attacking team in the Championship and have three or four players who are leading the way.

Ben Doak is certainly one of them.

What perhaps makes him stand out is just how young he is compared to the other players – age isn’t an achievement but the consistency and hunger to improve that he’s showing week after week means that he’s a player who has the minerals to keep improving for a long time yet.

Anfield Watch: What do you think is a realistic goal for him in terms of goals and assists from now until the end of the season?

Phil Spencer: Doak has got one goal and five assists in 13 games so far and if he can stay fit, you’d imagine that he’ll record some impressive numbers.

His game is more about providing than scoring and if he continues like this then I wouldn’t be surprised if he can get to 20+ assists, particularly given that many of his assists have come in the last few games.

Given his injury last season and the amount of games he’s playing for club and country, this will likely depend on his ability to stay fit for the duration of the season.

Anfield Watch: Are Middlesbrough fans worried they could lose him in January? There's been some suggestions he could be loaned to a PL club.

Phil Spencer: I think there’s a bit of concern that Ben Doak could be recalled in January, but fans aren’t too worried to be honest.

Insiders have suggested that Liverpool are happy with how he’s doing at Middlesbrough – and why would he want to leave to play for a rubbish relegation-battler anyway?!

Jokes aside, Boro fans are enjoying watching him play each week and would love him to stay but there’s a feeling of calm know that it’s out of our hands.

It’s clear that Doak will be playing in the Premier League next season and unless we get promoted, that’s unlikely to be with us.

But of course, we know that Liverpool won’t want to sell him and why would they? They’ve got a real talent on their hands.

Anfield Watch: Do you think he will be ready to play first team football at Liverpool? Maybe even become a long-term replacement for Mo Salah?

Phil Spencer: With my job, I watch Liverpool a lot and replacing Mohamed Salah will be an incredibly difficult challenge.

Doing so is a lot of pressure and while I think Doak has the talent and personality to relish such a challenge, it’s probably unfair to put that on such a young player.

I have no doubt that Doak is capable of being a first team player for Liverpool soon, but it would be detrimental to return too soon if he’s going to be limited to cameo sub appearances.

If I was to predict, I’d expect him to stay with Middlesbrough this season before earning a loan move to a Premier League club next season.

That said, I think his skills are better served to being in a team who will dominate and allow him to play his natural attacking game.

Whenever that chance to impress at Liverpool does come, Doak has the perfect blend of determination, self-belief and willingness to learn that will see him go on to have a wonderful career at the highest level.

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