Ben Doak caught the eye during Liverpool’s pre-season and could have a regular role for the campaign ahead, particularly in the Europa League.
Doak was one of 16 players to feature in all five of Liverpool’s warmup friendlies, impressing with his direct approach on the right flank.
The 17-year-old clocked 180 minutes on the pitch – more than any other youngster involved – and scored with a well-taken header in the 4-0 win over Leicester.
It seems clear that Doak will be part of Jurgen Klopp‘s senior squad moving forward, providing backup to Mohamed Salah.
And with Liverpool entering the Europa League this season, and likely requiring more rotation as they play Thursdays and Sundays, the teenager could be among those to benefit.
However, despite being under 21, Doak will take up a valuable over-age spot in the squad for this season’s Europa League due to UEFA rules.
Clubs must submit two lists – List A and List B – for registration for the Europa League, as with the Champions League.
List A can include a maximum of 25 players, with a minimum of eight players eligible as ‘locally trained’ and at least four of those ‘club-trained’ rather than ‘association trained’.
To qualify as ‘locally trained’, a player must have been with either the club or their association (in this case the FA) for three entire seasons, or 36 months, between the age of 15 and 21.
List B allows clubs to register an unlimited number of players under the age of 21 as long as they meet the following criteria:
Doak, who turns 18 in November but has only been registered with Liverpool since the summer of 2022, is neither List B eligible or considered ‘locally trained’.
This is due to Scotland not being part of the English FA, as is the case with Wales.
