Ben Doak has explained what factors led to his loan move to Middlesbrough in the final days of the summer transfer window.
The Liverpool winger was one of a handful of players to depart the Anfield side to the EFL in the final days of the window, with Nat Phillips joining him in the Championship at Derby County, whilst Rhys Williams was sent to League Two’s Morecambe.
Doak was handed his first start by Boro at the weekend and made an immediate impact by scoring against Stoke City at the Riverside. Michael Carrick’s side won the game 2-0, putting them up to eighth in the table ahead of a visit to leaders West Bromwich Albion.
The move to Teesside was the first move away from Liverpool for the Scottish winger since joining the club from Celtic. Speaking to the Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle, Doak revealed the factors that led to his move, saying: “I went on the pre-season tour with Liverpool, had a good time, got some minutes for the first time since my injury last year and I think I made a good impression before the injury, so I had a few clubs with eyes on me.
“The club helped me pick as well and I watched a few Boro games and I knew a few of the lads here.
“I didn’t think there was a much better place than the Boro, especially to be honest the amount they have the ball on the right-hand side and the team just naturally caters to my game.
“The club helps you narrow it down, then you speak to the gaffers and then just pick the team that takes your fancy and Arne Slot obviously approved of the choice. He said Michael’s team play really good football, he’s got the team playing really well.”
Carrick handed the 18-year-old his third appearance against The Potters, having previously been brought on as a sub against Sunderland and Preston North End. This season is set to be his first playing regular football in his career having had limited playing time whilst at Liverpool.
The former Manchester United midfielder has been full of praise for his new winger following the result, saying (Quotes via The Daily Mirror): “He looked dangerous and might have got another goal or even two. He showed what he is about and is a real threat.
“He had an impact. He is young, but he has the character and personality, and he has come here keen to develop. I wasn’t surprised. I was pleased to see what he could do.”
Writer’s View
Ben Doak was highly rated by Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, handing him ten appearances to deputise for arguably one of the best players in the world, Mohamed Salah. Whilst Arne Slot has loaned him out since taking charge, it does not mean he is doomed to never make it at Anfield, and an opportunity to play regular football in the Championship will be great for his future development.
Middlesbrough and Michael Carrick will be able to get the best out of him and the signs of that happening have already come to the fore. He was dynamic and threatening throughout against Stoke and based on that performance will surely be getting more regular game time down the line. The Boro boss has been the driving force behind the emergence of Morgan Rogers in the past year and will have the chance to do it again with the 18-year-old Scotland international.
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