Liverpool loanee Ben Doak has made it clear that he believes Middlesbrough is the best place for his development as the January transfer window approaches.
The 19-year-old winger has been instrumental in Boro’s rise into the top six of the Championship, and the club is hopeful they can keep him for the remainder of the season despite Liverpool’s option to recall him.
Doak’s Impact on Middlesbrough
Since joining Middlesbrough on loan in the summer, Doak has been a standout performer. Under the guidance of head coach Michael Carrick, the winger has quickly established himself as a key player. His speed and creativity on the right flank have revitalised Boro’s attacking play, contributing significantly to their strong form in the league. Boro have benefited from his presence, and it’s clear that both Doak and the club are enjoying the partnership.
“I think we play some of the best football in the league and I think a lot of that comes down the right-hand side. I think it suits me really well and I’ve got a great group of lads around me – a lot of talented footballers.”
However, the January transfer window is fast approaching, and Liverpool will have the option to recall Doak at any point during the winter. While Liverpool are top of the Premier League and have an abundance of attacking options, there’s speculation that they could look to send Doak to a lower-end Premier League club for further development. Middlesbrough, though, are hopeful that the Reds will see the value in Doak’s regular first-team football at the Riverside.
Doak’s Focus on Football
When asked about his approach to the game, Doak stressed that his style is simply an extension of his natural abilities. Known for his fearless attacking play, he remains focused on playing to his strengths and continuing to improve with every match.
“I don’t really see it as trying to make it a playground, I think it’s just what I’ve been good at since I was young. I just play to my strengths and hopefully I play well while doing that.” – Ben Doak
As the January window looms, both Doak and Middlesbrough will hope that the winger stays for the remainder of the season. His performances have been central to their promotion ambitions, and keeping him could be crucial in their bid to return to the Premier League.
Writer’s View
The situation with Doak underscores the challenge of balancing player development and club ambitions. Liverpool may face a tough decision, but keeping Doak at Boro could be the best move for both player and club as they look to build on their success.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
