Liverpool star out on loan is outdoing Mohamed Salah and Kylian Mbappe

Mohamed Salah and Kylian Mbappe both have fewer carries into the box than Ben Doak this season (Image: Getty)

Liverpool wonderkid Ben Doak is pulling up trees on loan at Middlesbrough.

And in one particular metric, the 19-year-old is leaving even Kylian Mbappe and Mohamed Salah in the dust. Doak made his senior Celtic debut shortly after turning 16, and his move to Liverpool in 2022 was greeted with excitement by fans, who were confident they had secured a star of the future.

The winger has made a handful of appearances for the Reds, generally looking lively across five games last season and another five the campaign prior. But it was decided the best thing for his development was to send him on loan for regular game time in 2024/25.

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Though there was interest from several Premier League clubs, Liverpool and Doak's camp opted for a Championship move which would guarantee him minutes. And the switch to Boro has, so far, paid dividends.

Doak is starting week in, week out on Teesside, notching four goal contributions (one goal, three assists) in 10 league matches. But the nature of his performances will be the most promising aspect for Liverpool manager Arne Slot.

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Nippy and deceptively strong for a teenager standing only 5ft 9in tall, Doak has been causing headaches for opponents in recent weeks. His directness makes him a particularly tough customer to keep under wraps.

Ben Doak has been running riot with Middlesbrough down in the Championship (Image: Getty)

And he excels in that department. With 39 carries into the penalty area so far this term, only two players in Europe have registered more than the Scottish international. Even Mbappe and Salah - both on 36 - are playing catch-up.

Vinicius Junior (44) of Real Madrid and Bradley Barcola (40) of Paris Saint-Germain lead the way, and they are both regarded among the hottest wingers in the world.

Making Doak's accomplishment even more impressive is the fact he has reached 39 in significantly fewer minutes than any other player in the top six, meaning he effectively carries the ball into the penalty area with more regularity than anyone in Europe.

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Boro boss Michael Carrick is over the moon with Doak's performances so far this season, but he has also made an effort to keep his feet planted firmly on the ground. "He’s got really good enthusiasm for playing," said the former Manchester United midfielder.

"He’s always looking to be so positive and direct. Listen, there are obviously levels to decision-making, and he still needs to work on that, to sense what’s dangerous and when to dribble and when not to dribble. But to have that kind of purpose about your work is so valuable.

"You see it in the energy and the willingness to keep trying things. It’s a real joy to see, and quite refreshing, really. He’s dangerous, and I’m delighted that he's getting rewarded for all his good work."

Liverpool star out on loan is outdoing Mohamed Salah and Kylian Mbappe

Liverpool star out on loan is outdoing Mohamed Salah and Kylian Mbappe

Liverpool star out on loan is outdoing Mohamed Salah and Kylian Mbappe

Liverpool star out on loan is outdoing Mohamed Salah and Kylian Mbappe

Liverpool star out on loan is outdoing Mohamed Salah and Kylian Mbappe