Liverpool have a ‘dangerous’ striker who is ‘real joy’ away from Anfield

Liverpool teenager Ben Doak hit another mark during his loan spell at Middlesbrough on Tuesday night.

On-loan Liverpool striker Ben Doak congratulates Middlesbrough’s Emmanuel Latte Lat during a Sky Bet Championship match at Queens Park Rangers Stadium on November 5, 2024.(Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick has described Liverpool teenager Ben Doak as “dangerous” after his explosive return to action. Doak, who is on loan at Riverside this season, started six consecutive Championship games before being rested following Boro’s 3-0 home defeat to Coventry City at the weekend due to fatigue.

The 18-year-old returned to the starting XI for QPR on Tuesday night and made his first assist for the club as the visitors secured a 4-1 triumph.

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And although Carrick defied Doak Looking to continue to improve his decisions, the Boro manager was very encouraged by the striker’s overall performance.

“He has a really good enthusiasm for the game,” he said. “It shows in the way he plays. He always strives to be so positive and direct.

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“Look, obviously there are levels of decision making and he still needs to work on that to sense what is dangerous, when to dribble the ball and when not to dribble the ball.

“But having that kind of purpose in your work is very valuable. You see it in the energy and willingness to keep trying things.”

“It’s very nice to watch and actually quite refreshing. He is dangerous and for the first goal he showed a great move and a great game. I’m glad he got an award for all his good work.”

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Doak has made nine appearances since joining Middlesbrough at the end of August and scored one goal, which came in a 2-0 win over Stoke City in September.