Liverpool analysis - Ben Doak learns harsh lesson as Luis Diaz proves number doubters wrong
"We are here to compete, not to give opportunities,” Jurgen Klopp insisted when speaking ahead of Liverpool’s Europa League opener away at LASK Linz.
Less than 24 hours, 17-year-old Ben Doak was handed his first Reds start - coming in the same week that he had signed a new long-term contract. But this was no token start for the Scotland Under-21s international, it was an opportunity he has fully deserved.
LFC VERDICT: Darwin Nunez makes Liverpool point in front of watching FSG supremo
What Gravenberch did after assisting goal shows truth about Liverpool decision
It is why so many were keen to see Doak start in Austria, even at the expense of the legendary Mohamed Salah. Forget remember the name, he has long been the club’s worst-kept secret.
And it’s why, despite Klopp’s insistence that the Europa League isn’t for giving out opportunities, the German had no qualms handing the young Scot his first start for the club.
One of 11 changes, it was always going to be tricky for Doak as part of an, at times, disjointed Liverpool side. But he held his own in his 61-minute appearance as he became the fourth-youngest player to feature for the Reds in Europe.
In truth, his performance both again demonstrated why he is such an exciting talent in the first place, while also reiterating that he remains raw potential.
His total of 30 touches and 11 accurate passes were the fewest of the Liverpool starting XI. At times, the teenager was isolated on the right as LASK started well. But no-one attempted or completed more dribbles than the winger as, when on the ball, he played to his strengths.
On more than one occasion he skipped past LASK defenders for fun, only to be left settling for a corner. That final ball is, at times, still
Read on liverpoolecho.co.uk
