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The second international break of the season is a decent time to assess how Liverpool’s raft of loan players are getting on away from Anfield.

As ever, the Reds have sent a chunk of young players out for the campaign as they aim to get vital minutes into legs.

There was some discontent in the summer following Arne Slot’s decision to let a host of players from the Liverpool academy leave the club temporarily.

But although players like Ben Doak would certainly have been in and around the Liverpool squad, they would have been unlikely to play anything like enough.

For Doak in particular, Federico Chiesa’s arrival meant that he now has at least six senior players ahead of him in the pecking order. That is not conducive to getting playing time.

Instead, Doak has headed out to the Championship and to Middlesbrough to hone his skills in 2024/25. And EFL expert Simeon Gholam has been assessing how the 18-year-old is getting on.

Ben Doak winning over Middlesbrough fans

Had things gone differently for Doak last season, he may well have already been a permanent fixture in the senior Liverpool squad.

However, the teenager struggled with injuries for most of the campaign, making only five appearances.

As a result, although some saw it differently, a temporary change of scenery felt like a good move for Doak. In Michael Carrick Boro have a good young manager who puts his faith in up and coming talents.

So far, that has born out for Doak. Despite only arriving on transfer deadline day, the Scot has now made five appearances, scoring one goal and starting each of the last three games.

READ MORE: Cody Gakpo impressed after ‘phenomenal’ Liverpool youngster scores on-loan in the Championship

And speaking to The Redmen TV, Gholam says that fans have already been ‘won over’ by Doak’s direct and exciting game.

“He has been very promising,” said the Sky Sports journalist. “The Boro fans seem to have been somewhat won over already.

“He’s a fun and exciting player to watch, he’s the kind of player who gets you out of your seat even if he’s not always producing the end result. He’s good to watch and he is kind of getting to that level.

“His consistency and end product obviously needs a bit of work,” Gholam admitted. “But that will hopefully come as the season goes on.”

Ben Doak called into Scotland squad

It was always likely to be a knock-on effect of Doak playing regularly for Boro that he would receive international recognition.

The Liverpool youngster has already been part of the Scotland senior squad and made two appearances while still with the Reds.

But now playing week-in-week-out at club level, few can argue that Doak doesn’t deserve to join Andy Robertson and co in Steve Clarke’s squad.

No doubt Robbo will be putting his arm around the young man’s shoulders and finding out all about life at Boro so far.

In the meantime, it can only be good news for Liverpool that Doak is making an impact both at club and international level. Lots more to come from this young man.

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