While there was no scarcity of switch hyperlinks forward of the worldwide break, the as of but unresolved contract sagas at Liverpool proceed to dominate the headlines.
Mo Salah, whose present phrases are set to run out in the summertime of 2025, is one such supply of concern as we close to the January 1 deadline. Solely 44 days stand in the best way of abroad outfits with the ability to swoop in and start talks over a pre-contract settlement.
Given all of the Egyptian has contributed within the well-known pink shirt (to not point out all he continues to do with 20 aim contributions in 17 video games), we dare say it could appear the peak of madness to let him go for nothing.
Liverpool’s recruitment division, in fact, who should concern themselves with a spread of things – not least of all of the longevity of such gamers – could very nicely see it in another way.
May Ben Doak maintain the keys to the right-wing position?
It will be an absurd quantity of stress to heap atop Ben Doak’s shoulders, however might the Scot but be the way forward for the right-wing position?
The younger Middlesbrough loanee is, with the best of respect, removed from being near Mo Salah’s ludicrously constant world-class numbers.
Nevertheless, there are encouraging indicators that may counsel there may be nonetheless loads of potential that have to be nurtured.
Doak showcased some outstanding high quality on the dribble to go away Manchester Metropolis’s report defensive buy (£77m), Josko Gvardiol, within the mud throughout Scotland v Croatia.
You may catch the clip beneath, courtesy of @BradleyLFC24v3 on X (originating from @ScotlandNT):
How has Ben Doak been acting on mortgage?
The 19-year-old winger has 4 aim contributions to his title in 10 appearances in 2024/25 – a aim contribution each 172 minutes.
It’s a far cry from Salah’s aim or help each 67.45 minutes, it must be stated, although we, in fact, shouldn’t expect Doak to duplicate these sorts of numbers at his age.
The vital factor within the meantime is that we’re seeing a participant who’s maturing out on mortgage – a pathway of improvement that has most definitely benefitted Harvey Elliott, for instance, up to now.
Seeing the younger Scot have the boldness to tackle his man (and a participant of Premier League high quality in Josko Gvardiol) and drive in direction of the field is thrilling.
Whether or not he’ll develop a penchant for scoring over 20 targets a season like his Egyptian counterpart stays to be seen. Plus, there’s the apparent stickler within the reality Ben Doak isn’t a left-footed right-winger, which might take one thing away from the place presently occupied by our Egyptian King.
Ben Doak stats in 2024/25
Ben Doak
Mo Salah
Luis Diaz
Non-penalty xG
0.33
0.5
0.42
xAG
0.32
0.43
0.21
Shot-creating actions
5.93
4.92
5.65
Touches in opposing penalty field
7.91
8.71
7.7
Profitable take-ons
3.03
1.18
2.34
