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Doak’s Promising Future at Liverpool: A Potential Successor to Salah?
A Bright Career Path Ahead
At just 19 years old, Liverpool’s Luke Doak has already built an impressive resume, having learned from a variety of high-profile coaches throughout his burgeoning career. His current mentor, Michael Carrick, a former Premier League champion, has played a pivotal role in his development, while Ange Postecoglou provided him with his debut in the first team at Celtic. Jurgen Klopp, the renowned manager of Liverpool, also handed Doak his first senior appearance in November 2022.
Known for their mental toughness, Klopp’s Liverpool side earned the moniker “mentality monsters,” which seems to suit Doak as he seamlessly integrates into the first-team environment. Reports suggest that Klopp has even referred to the young winger as “the present and future of Scotland” during training, highlighting the strong impression Doak has made on the coaching staff.
His coach Anderson remarks on Doak’s professionalism, stating, “He was never a player who was messing around and carrying on. He was very grounded, always wanting to learn and always listening.” This commendable mindset is essential as he navigates the challenges of the competitive Championship.
As he faces aggressive opposition, particularly from defenders keen to halt his rapid pace, Doak has responded with determination. Following a harsh tackle from Oxford United’s Elliott Moore in a recent match, Carrick emphasized the need for Doak to adapt to the physicality of the game. “Even at that level, the aggression could be intense—high tackles and knocks are inevitable,” he explained. “Yet, he consistently gets back up, reflecting a commendable resilience and a strong mentality at such a young age.”
This robust mindset is expected to serve Doak well, especially as he aims to secure a spot in Liverpool’s starting lineup next summer. With uncertainties surrounding Mohamed Salah’s contract, there is speculation that Doak could emerge as a leading candidate for the right winger position.
Anderson noted, “There’s talk of him performing well at Middlesbrough and the possibility of becoming Salah’s successor—those are significant shoes to fill. But with his mentality and current trajectory, there seems to be no limits to what he can achieve. Many ex-players and pundits are recognizing his potential, which speaks volumes.”
In terms of playing style, Doak shares similarities with Salah, not only in his ability to score but also in his knack for creating opportunities for teammates. However, it is crucial to remember that while Doak has shown remarkable promise, he is still in the early stages of his overall development.
“When he plays for the Scotland national team, you can see his passion,” Anderson added. “His celebrations after scoring or assisting reflect the joy and enthusiasm akin to the spirit of a young boy, and those qualities remain a presence in his game.”
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