Brian McClair on whether Middlesbrough loan star Ben Doak can replace Mo Salah at Liverpool.
Winger Ben Doak has been a standout performer for Middlesbrough this season
Brian McClair, a former Celtic and Manchester United player, has cautioned Scotland and Liverpool fans who are getting caught up in the euphoria surrounding youthful phenom Ben Doak.
The 19-year-old is currently flourishing during his season-long loan at Championship club Middlesbrough and was important in Scotland’s dazzling wins over Croatia and Poland last month.
With talk that Liverpool’s Mo Salah’s time with the English giants is coming to an end, some consider Ayrshire’s own Doak, a former Celtic prodigy, as a possible successor.
McClair, who previously managed Man United’s youth academy and served as Scotland’s performance director, stated to gambling.com that he is a player that the Scottish people have been looking for, especially for the summer [at Euro 2024]. So Scotland has the potential to maintain the ball in their opponent’s half.”
McClair highlighted the winger’s abilities, saying, “He has the pace and the skill. So he has the speed to get in behind, the speed to sprint with the ball, and the skill to make his opponent work hard in a one-on-one situation. Given his youth and the number of games he has played at the top level, he has adjusted well to the international game.
“So he hasn’t done himself any harm in terms of international football.” Of course, there has been much speculation that he will be Mo Salah’s successor if Salah decides that Merseyside is no longer his home for football. It might be too soon to say he’s at Salah’s level. But he appears to be a very bright potential, and his loan spell at Middlesbrough has been beneficial. He did an excellent job and showed no signs of anxiety. I believe that’s part of being youthful; young players have less fear.
“Some people might say that it’s overconfidence, but I think he seems like a lad who thoroughly enjoys playing football at club level and certainly making a mark at international level.”
Doak has been a revelation since joining Boro on a temporary basis, contributing five assists and a goal in 16 Championship games. Middlesbrough will face Plymouth Argyle away on Saturday, and the gifted wide player is anticipated to start.
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