Liverpool attacker establishing himself in 'top five attackers in Europe'

Ben Doak has made just 10 senior appearances for Liverpool but stats suggest that he is outnumbering Mohamed Salah and Kylian Mbappe as the 18-year-old enjoys life with Middlesbrough

Liverpool loanee Ben Doak is establishing himself as one of the best attackers in Europe, according to one statistic.(Image: Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

On-loan Liverpool attacker Ben Doak is charting among some of the best forwards in Europe – bettering Mohamed Salah and Kylian Mbappe. The Scotland attacker is enjoying life on loan in the Championship with Middlesbrough as they chase a place in the playoffs.

The 18-year-old has one goal and three assists, helping improve the North East club’s attack with his pacey, direct wing-play in a positive start to his first stint away from the Reds. A recall option has been included in the terms of his temporary spell at the Riverside Stadium, but the early indications are that the Scottish youngster is thriving.

‌

In a post on the social media platform X from JLA FC, Doak ranks among the highest performers in Europe for carries into the penalty area. Strikingly, Doak has only made 10 appearances for the second-tier side and is already charting with Real Madrid stars Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe.

There may even be some friendly competition within the Liverpool ranks as Doak has more than star forward Mohamed Salah. With 39, three more than both Mbappe and the Egyptian, only Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain and the Ballon d’Or runner-up Vinicius chart better than the former Celtic prodigy.

‌

Sporting CP talisman and in-demand striker, Viktor Gyokeres, has recorded the same number of penalty box entries as Doak but the Scot is considerably younger than others in the top six.

And the 18-year-old has expressed his enjoyment at receiving regular first-team football. Speaking after their win over Luton Town, he said: “It was great, and I think it was about time we put four or five goals in.

‌

“It’s been coming – the amount of chances we create as a team. The game midweek and then this one, it’s more than what we deserve. It’s a terrific six points going into the international break.

“I’m really enjoying my football playing with these lot. I’m really starting to build a connection with a lot of the lads – they know my strengths and are doing a really good job of catering to them.

“I’m absolutely loving it. Every young lad just wants to play footie, it doesn’t matter what level. I’m lucky to be playing for such a good team and at such a good club.”