Ben Doak, the young Scottish winger, has been making waves during his loan spell at Middlesbrough, and Liverpool is keeping a close eye on his progress.
Shortly after Middlesbrough’s 3-3 draw with Newcastle United in December, Fenway Sports Group’s chief executive of football, Michael Edwards, and the club’s technical director, Julian Ward, visited Doak at Middlesbrough’s Rockliffe Park training base. They discussed the 19-year-old’s development with Middlesbrough head coach Michael Carrick and first-team coach Jonathan Woodgate.
Doak Shining in the Championship
Doak, who has arguably been the standout young player in the Championship this season, has been the poster boy of Liverpool’s use of the loan system. Middlesbrough has proven to be the perfect place for his development, with three goals and seven assists in 24 appearances as they chase a play-off place.
Liverpool’s data shows that Doak is making more ball carries per 90 minutes than any Championship player since 2018, and he’s the only winger to complete more key passes per 90 in the Championship since 2020 than former Leeds United player Pablo Hernandez.
Other Liverpool Loanees Impressing
Doak is not the only Liverpool youngster enjoying a successful loan spell in the Championship. Lewis Koumas (Stoke City) and Owen Beck (Blackburn Rovers) have also been highly impressive.
- Koumas, a 19-year-old Wales international, has played 1,928 minutes across 29 league games with three goals and two assists. He has the best xG (expected goals) per 90 of any under-20 wide attacker at that level since 2018 and has made an average of 13 sprints per 90.
- Beck, a 22-year-old left-back, has been a regular for Blackburn, clocking up 1,860 minutes across 23 Championship matches. He scores highly for tackles won and successful crosses, and his form has earned him a call-up to the senior Wales squad.
The success of these loanees is a testament to the work Liverpool puts into finding the right environment for players and the support network available to them during their time away from Kirkby.
Liverpool’s director of loans and pathways, Matt Newberry, has been promoted to director of global talent, but loans remain part of his remit while a successor is recruited. The club is also in the process of making three new appointments to fill the roles of head of loan management, loans pathway lead, and loans performance analyst.
The collaborative approach to deciding where to send players, led by Newberry, sporting director Richard Hughes, assistant sporting director David Woodfine, manager Arne Slot, and first-team individual development coach Aaron Briggs, aims to mitigate risk as much as possible.
Director of research Will Spearman and his data team also play a crucial role in finding the right fit for each player, considering factors such as the club’s previous record with loan players, existing competition in specific areas of the squad, and the environment they can offer.
The development and progress of Liverpool’s loanees, such as Doak, Koumas, and Beck, are a source of pride for the club. Their consistent performances in the competitive Championship league demonstrate the effectiveness of Liverpool’s loan system and the support they provide to their young talents during this crucial stage of their careers.
GO DEEPER
‘I want to get back to where I was’: What next for Liverpool’s Rhys Williams as he rebuilds in League Two?
In conclusion, Liverpool’s loan system is proving to be a crucial part of their player development strategy, with the likes of Doak, Koumas, and Beck thriving in the Championship and contributing to their parent club’s future success. The club’s commitment to supporting and monitoring their loanees’ progress is a testament to their dedication to nurturing young talent.
