Ben Doak Makes First Start for Liverpool in 3-1 Win Over LASK

17-year-old Ben Doak made his first start for Liverpool on Thursday in the club’s 3-1 win over LASK in the Europa League. It was a big occasion for the youngster, who had just signed a long-term contract with the club days prior. Doak provided an honest appraisal of his performance, noting that there were some good bits but that improvements were needed.

Doak was one of 11 changes to the starting lineup, and he had 30 touches of the ball in 61 minutes, completing 11 of his 14 attempted passes and three of his six attempted dribbles, per FotMob. He was not a burden for his more senior team-mates, often making surging runs off the ball that were ignored.

After the game, Doak took to Instagram to relish his first start and European debut, but also acknowledge an up-and-down display. Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, Tyler Morton, and academy counterparts Jarell Quansah, Bobby Clark, Owen Beck, Melkamu Frauendorf, Lewis Koumas and James McConnell all congratulated Doak on his performance.

In his post-match press conference, Jurgen Klopp noted that Doak’s team-mates should have used him as an outlet “a little bit more often.” Klopp said that if they had done so, Doak would have gotten the ball more times on the touchline and passed it inside.

It is clear that this won’t be the last time Doak starts for the Reds. Both player and manager are agreed that it is “time to push on” and continue to develop Doak’s skills and abilities. With his first start under his belt, Doak can now look forward to more opportunities to prove himself and make an impact on the team.