Liverpool legend sees Wayne Rooney in 'FIERY' Reds prodigy

Ben Doak moved on loan to Championship side Middlesbrough at the end of the transfer window, but the 18-year-old is still to make his debut due to the international break.

The young star had already made 10 appearances for Liverpool’s first team before moving out on loan and will be looking to impress this season in order to work his way into new head coach Arne Slot’s plans.

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Liverpool signed Federico Chiesa this summer, who plays in the same position as Doak, so it will take a great season for the Scot to force his way into the Liverpool first team picture.

Middlesbrough have enjoyed some success under their manager, former Manchester United player Michael Carrick, reaching the play-offs in 2023.

Now former Liverpool and England star Emile Heskey has had his say on Doak’s loan move.

What did Heskey have to say?

Speaking to BetMGM and covered by Teeside Live, Heskey said he was ‘pleased’ to see Doak go on loan to Middlesbrough and even compared the Liverpool prodigy to Wayne Rooney.

“He is guaranteed to express himself as he is talented, and he has a fiery temperament to match," Heskey said.

"Young players with talent and a fiery temperament, such as one of the best the Premier League has ever seen in Wayne Rooney, do need nurturing and guidance.”

Heskey played over 500 games in the Premier League, so he knows what it takes to succeed in English football.

The 62-capped former England star also added: “I think arguably one of the best managers to nurture Doak is Carrick, as he played with Rooney for such a long time. I would like to think he could possibly get talent out of Ben and bring him on as a player.”

Although there is no obvious place for Doak in Liverpool’s first team right now, it wouldn’t take much for a path to emerge.

Mohamed Salah only has a year left on his contract at Liverpool and, although negotiations are set to begin soon, could leave the club at the end of this season.

If Salah were to leave the club, the door could open for Doak to step up and play an important part in Liverpool’s senior squad.

Liverpool have a number of players in their first team now who spent time away from the club, including Harvey Elliott, Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah, so for the youngsters out on loan like Doak, Stefan Bajcetic and Lewis Koumas, the door to the first team isn’t closed.