Kenny Dalglish thinks it was a ‘big thing’ when Ben Doak left Celtic for Liverpool in 2022.
Whilst the 17-year-old left one pressure cooker of a club for another, given that he was now on the Premier League stage, then it was a different level for the winger.
Not many within Celtic will be surprised, but Ben Doak is now starting to earn minutes under Jurgen Klopp, which is no mean feat.
King Kenny, a legendary figure at both Celtic and Liverpool, thinks that the all-action star is in the ‘right place’ to take his career to the next level, as he told PLZ Soccer.
Given that a certain Mohamed Salah is playing on the right flank, then you can do nothing but learn from one of the world’s best.
But, during Liverpool’s opening day draw at Chelsea, the rising teenager did replace the Egypt star in the second half and has since earned minutes in the Europa League.
Yes, Ben Doak, who played two games under Ange Postecoglou, would have probably had more minutes under his belt at Celtic Park had he stayed, but the key thing is that patience is needed and he is progressing as a player.
From Celtic to Liverpool
“Listen, for the wee man it was a big thing for him to move to Liverpool,” said Dalglish. “He came in. Settled down quickly and obviously impressed Jurgen (Klopp) by getting in and around the squad. He was in and around the squad on Sunday and on the bench against Brighton.
“His career will develop if he goes about it the right way. He has shown enough promise, at the moment, to think that he is going about it the right way.
“Just take your time. You don’t need to give him any problems. Just develop as you have, then along the way, there are going to be hiccups. It’s how you react to that as well. And also, how you react to the success you get.
“But he is at the right place to be drawn down into line if he’s getting carried away with himself at Anfield.”
Ben Doak learning from Salah
You would be daft if you didn’t tap into a player who would probably make Liverpool’s greatest XI alongside Kenny Dalglish.
From winning the Champions League to helping Liverpool end their 30-year wait to be champions of England, Salah is the perfect role model for Doak as he continues to rise as a player.
What does help the young Scotland star is that Liverpool are in the Europa League, so it will allow him to earn more minutes and showcase his worth after his Celtic exit.
