InterviewBen Doak on season aims, learning from Liverpool's 'machines' and fearless mindset

The 17-year-old forward made his sixth senior appearance for Liverpool as a second-half substitute in Sunday’s campaign-opening 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Doak impressed during the Reds’ pre-season schedule, scoring in a friendly win over Leicester City in Singapore, and he has outlined his determination to be an impactful presence in Jürgen Klopp’s squad in 2023-24.

“I’m just happy to be around – any minutes are a bonus for me, I’m just trying to enjoy it,” the Scotland U21 international told Liverpoolfc.com.

“From when I joined the club last year there’s been a big jump and I feel like the best player I’ve ever been, so I’m just looking to keep kicking on.”

When asked if he has any targets in mind for the new season, Doak replied: “Not any specifically, I just want to play more than last season.

“Obviously I’m grateful for every opportunity that I’ve had but I’m just trying to build a career, so just play as many games as possible and give a good account of myself.”

Doak is now a regular fixture in senior training sessions and he is maximising the chance he has to learn from Liverpool’s senior attackers.

He continued: “Well, the bit of my game I need to get better is the end product, so I’m just trying to look at what these lot do because every one of them are scoring machines or assisting machines.”

The teenager’s fearless, front-foot approach on the pitch has caught the eye at youth and senior levels and, on his mindset, he explained: “Obviously I made a few appearances for Celtic before I came here as well so, I’m not used to it, I’ll never be used to it, but I am more used to the big crowds than most lads my age would be and also I’m going out to do what I’ve been doing my full life, so there’s not really any reason to be scared.”

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