Ben Doak, Liverpool’s promising 18-year-old winger, recently made the decision to join Middlesbrough on loan for the 2024/25 season.
With Liverpool’s attacking depth being as competitive as ever, breaking into the first team this season was always going to be a challenge for Doak.
The situation became even more difficult with the arrival of Federico Chiesa from Juventus, adding further competition to the wing positions.
Realizing that consistent game time would be difficult to come by at Anfield, Doak opted for a move that could give him the opportunity to develop further and secure valuable minutes on the pitch.
Doak shares excitement over loan switch to Middlesbrough
Speaking about his loan switch to Championship side Middlesbrough, Doak expressed excitement at the new challenge ahead.
“It feels great to be here,” he said of his temporary move. “I cannot wait to get out there in front of the fans and get my career up and running.”
Ben Doak. Credit: Imago Images
The young Scot is fully aware of Middlesbrough’s rich history and is eager to help the club push for promotion.
He added: “This is a Premier League club, really, and I can imagine the fans are desperate to get back up there.”
Middlesbrough, a club with a storied past in English football, last played in the Premier League in 2017 and were a fixture in the top flight throughout the 2000s. Doak is confident that the team can mount a serious promotion challenge under manager Michael Carrick.
Aiming for development and regular Minutes
One of the main factors that led Doak to choose Middlesbrough was the opportunity to grow as a player through regular first-team football.
“I knew a few of the lads here and I spoke to the gaffer. That’s really what convinced me,” he explained.
“I know how big the club is and how big the fanbase is. I’ll be just happy to be playing.”
Ben Doak. Credit: Imago Images
The winger acknowledged that it can be difficult for young players to get game time at a club as large as Liverpool, but he is determined to use his time at Middlesbrough to develop and improve.
“My aim this season is to just improve as a player, and you can only really do that by playing games regularly,” Doak added.
For the teenager, this loan spell is about more than just gaining experience—it’s about making a meaningful contribution to Middlesbrough’s push for promotion while honing his own skills.
