Sport nationAlly McCoist Hails Ben Doak as Scotland’s Rising Star, Drawing Comparisons to Jude Bellingham
Celtic Football Club has long been celebrated for its ability to identify and nurture exceptional talent. From the consistent performances of Alistair Johnston to the meteoric rise of Nicolas Kuhn, the club’s recruitment strategy in recent years has largely been a triumph. However, as with any club of Celtic’s stature, there are occasional missteps—players who leave too soon or talent that goes unfulfilled.
One such case is that of Ben Doak, a former Celtic youth product who has taken the footballing world by storm since joining Liverpool. The 19-year-old winger has not only cemented his place in the Scotland national team but has also drawn comparisons to England and Real Madrid sensation Jude Bellingham. Ally McCoist, the former Scotland international and celebrated pundit, has been effusive in his praise for the young winger, describing him as “outstanding” and highlighting the freedom with which he plays—a trait reminiscent of a young Bellingham.
In this article, we delve into Doak’s journey from Celtic Park to the international stage, the significance of his performances for Scotland, and what the future might hold for this prodigious talent.
Celtic’s Recruitment: A System of Success
Celtic’s ability to identify and develop talent has been one of the club’s most enduring strengths. Whether it’s discovering hidden gems from less-fancied leagues or nurturing young players from their academy, the club’s recruitment team has consistently delivered. Recent examples, such as Alistair Johnston and Nicolas Kuhn, underline the effectiveness of their scouting network and the foresight of their decision-makers.
However, success in recruitment is not limited to incoming players. Outgoing transfers have also been managed astutely, with the club securing record-breaking fees for players while ensuring replacements are in place. The departure of Matt O’Riley to Brighton in the summer was a testament to this approach. Celtic may have lost a key playmaker, but they did so on their terms, securing a significant financial return and ensuring the void was effectively filled.
But not every story has a perfect ending. For all their successes, Celtic fans still lament the one that got away—Ben Doak.
Ben Doak: The One That Got Away
Ben Doak’s departure from Celtic was a bittersweet moment for the club. Having risen through the ranks of the Celtic academy, the all-action winger was handed his first-team debut by Ange Postecoglou, who quickly recognized the teenager’s potential. Doak’s directness, pace, and fearlessness made him a standout talent, and it wasn’t long before bigger clubs began to take notice.
In the end, it was Liverpool who secured his signature, offering the young winger an opportunity too good to refuse. For Doak, the decision to leave Celtic was undoubtedly a difficult one, but it was also a bold statement of ambition. Joining Liverpool, a club with a proven track record of developing young talent, represented a chance to test himself at the highest level.
McCoist’s Bellingham Comparison
Since leaving Celtic, Doak has flourished, both at club level and on the international stage. His performances for Scotland in recent months have been particularly eye-catching, prompting Ally McCoist to draw parallels with Jude Bellingham. Speaking on talkSPORT, McCoist praised Doak for his fearlessness and freedom, qualities he believes are reminiscent of a young Bellingham.
“He has been fabulous,” McCoist said. “Pace. Outstanding potential. I am not going to compare him to Jude Bellingham, but I am comparing him to Jude Bellingham in the sense that he plays with a freedom. When Bellingham first came onto the scene, for a young man, he was fearless, and he looked like he was loving everything about it. And Ben Doak seems to be in that place.”
It’s important to note that McCoist’s comparison is not about playing style but rather about the mentality and approach. Like Bellingham, Doak plays with a freshness and confidence that belies his age.
Scotland’s New Weapon
Doak’s impact on the Scotland national team has been immediate and profound. In a crucial UEFA Nations League encounter against Poland, the winger delivered a performance that underlined his growing stature. Operating on the right flank, he showcased his pace, technical ability, and decision-making, forging a strong partnership with Celtic’s Anthony Ralston.
The match was a must-win for Steve Clarke’s side, and they delivered, with captain Andy Robertson scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner. While Robertson’s goal grabbed the headlines, Doak’s contribution did not go unnoticed. According to WhoScored, the winger earned a rating of 7.32, reflecting his influence on the game.
Doak’s Statistics Against Poland:
- Shots: 1
- Key Passes: 4
- Passes Completed: 27
- Pass Accuracy: 92.6%
- Dribbles: 1
- Touches: 42
These numbers highlight Doak’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways, whether through creating chances, maintaining possession, or driving at defenders.
A New Era for Scotland
Scotland’s recent success in the UEFA Nations League owes much to the emergence of players like Ben Doak. For years, the national team has struggled to find natural width, often relying on full-backs like Andy Robertson and Anthony Ralston to provide attacking impetus.
McCoist touched on this during his talkSPORT appearance: “Back in the Euros, we were attempting to get any level of width from Anthony Ralston on the right-hand side. I think it was Robbo on the left-hand side. As good as they are, and they are good, going forward it’s just a different level if you have a winger, an out-and-out player, who has something different.”
Doak’s presence gives Scotland a new dimension, one that has been sorely lacking in recent years. His ability to beat defenders, deliver crosses, and provide a constant threat in the final third has transformed the way the team attacks.
The Road Ahead
At just 19 years old, Ben Doak’s journey is only beginning. His decision to join Liverpool has already paid dividends, providing him with the platform to develop his skills and compete at the highest level. While his time at Celtic may have been brief, his impact on Scottish football is undeniable.
For Scotland, the emergence of Doak represents a bright future. Alongside established stars like Andy Robertson and emerging talents like Billy Gilmour, the winger is part of a new generation that has the potential to take the national team to new heights.
Meanwhile, Celtic fans can take solace in the knowledge that their club played a key role in Doak’s development. While his departure may have been a disappointment, it also serves as a reminder of the quality of players produced by the club’s academy.
Final Thoughts
Ally McCoist’s comparison of Ben Doak to Jude Bellingham may raise eyebrows, but it also highlights the remarkable progress made by the young winger. Like Bellingham, Doak plays with a freedom and confidence that sets him apart from his peers. His performances for Scotland have been a revelation, and there is every reason to believe that he will continue to shine on the international stage.
For Celtic, the story of Ben Doak is bittersweet. While his departure was a blow, it also serves as a testament to the club’s ability to identify and nurture exceptional talent. As Doak’s star continues to rise, Celtic fans can take pride in knowing that their club played a crucial role in his journey.
As for Doak himself, the future looks incredibly bright. Whether for Liverpool, Scotland, or beyond, the winger’s potential is limitless. And while comparisons to Jude Bellingham may be premature, one thing is certain: Ben Doak is a name to watch.
Ally McCoist Hails Ben Doak as Scotland’s Rising Star, Drawing Comparisons to Jude Bellingham
By Amir Mir
Date: Thursday, 21 November 2024
Celtic Football Club has long been celebrated for its ability to identify and nurture exceptional talent. From the consistent performances of Alistair Johnston to the meteoric rise of Nicolas Kuhn, the club’s recruitment strategy in recent years has largely been a triumph. However, as with any club of Celtic’s stature, there are occasional missteps—players who leave too soon or talent that goes unfulfilled.
One such case is that of Ben Doak, a former Celtic youth product who has taken the footballing world by storm since joining Liverpool. The 19-year-old winger has not only cemented his place in the Scotland national team but has also drawn comparisons to England and Real Madrid sensation Jude Bellingham. Ally McCoist, the former Scotland international and celebrated pundit, has been effusive in his praise for the young winger, describing him as “outstanding” and highlighting the freedom with which he plays—a trait reminiscent of a young Bellingham.
In this article, we delve into Doak’s journey from Celtic Park to the international stage, the significance of his performances for Scotland, and what the future might hold for this prodigious talent.
Celtic’s Recruitment: A System of Success
Celtic’s ability to identify and develop talent has been one of the club’s most enduring strengths. Whether it’s discovering hidden gems from less-fancied leagues or nurturing young players from their academy, the club’s recruitment team has consistently delivered. Recent examples, such as Alistair Johnston and Nicolas Kuhn, underline the effectiveness of their scouting network and the foresight of their decision-makers.
However, success in recruitment is not limited to incoming players. Outgoing transfers have also been managed astutely, with the club securing record-breaking fees for players while ensuring replacements are in place. The departure of Matt O’Riley to Brighton in the summer was a testament to this approach. Celtic may have lost a key playmaker, but they did so on their terms, securing a significant financial return and ensuring the void was effectively filled.
But not every story has a perfect ending. For all their successes, Celtic fans still lament the one that got away—Ben Doak.
Ben Doak: The One That Got Away
Ben Doak’s departure from Celtic was a bittersweet moment for the club. Having risen through the ranks of the Celtic academy, the all-action winger was handed his first-team debut by Ange Postecoglou, who quickly recognized the teenager’s potential. Doak’s directness, pace, and fearlessness made him a standout talent, and it wasn’t long before bigger clubs began to take notice.
In the end, it was Liverpool who secured his signature, offering the young winger an opportunity too good to refuse. For Doak, the decision to leave Celtic was undoubtedly a difficult one, but it was also a bold statement of ambition. Joining Liverpool, a club with a proven track record of developing young talent, represented a chance to test himself at the highest level.
McCoist’s Bellingham Comparison
Since leaving Celtic, Doak has flourished, both at club level and on the international stage. His performances for Scotland in recent months have been particularly eye-catching, prompting Ally McCoist to draw parallels with Jude Bellingham. Speaking on talkSPORT, McCoist praised Doak for his fearlessness and freedom, qualities he believes are reminiscent of a young Bellingham.
“He has been fabulous,” McCoist said. “Pace. Outstanding potential. I am not going to compare him to Jude Bellingham, but I am comparing him to Jude Bellingham in the sense that he plays with a freedom. When Bellingham first came onto the scene, for a young man, he was fearless, and he looked like he was loving everything about it. And Ben Doak seems to be in that place.”
It’s important to note that McCoist’s comparison is not about playing style but rather about the mentality and approach. Like Bellingham, Doak plays with a freshness and confidence that belies his age.
Scotland’s New Weapon
Doak’s impact on the Scotland national team has been immediate and profound. In a crucial UEFA Nations League encounter against Poland, the winger delivered a performance that underlined his growing stature. Operating on the right flank, he showcased his pace, technical ability, and decision-making, forging a strong partnership with Celtic’s Anthony Ralston.
The match was a must-win for Steve Clarke’s side, and they delivered, with captain Andy Robertson scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner. While Robertson’s goal grabbed the headlines, Doak’s contribution did not go unnoticed. According to WhoScored, the winger earned a rating of 7.32, reflecting his influence on the game.
Doak’s Statistics Against Poland:
- Shots: 1
- Key Passes: 4
- Passes Completed: 27
- Pass Accuracy: 92.6%
- Dribbles: 1
- Touches: 42
These numbers highlight Doak’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways, whether through creating chances, maintaining possession, or driving at defenders.
A New Era for Scotland
Scotland’s recent success in the UEFA Nations League owes much to the emergence of players like Ben Doak. For years, the national team has struggled to find natural width, often relying on full-backs like Andy Robertson and Anthony Ralston to provide attacking impetus.
McCoist touched on this during his talkSPORT appearance: “Back in the Euros, we were attempting to get any level of width from Anthony Ralston on the right-hand side. I think it was Robbo on the left-hand side. As good as they are, and they are good, going forward it’s just a different level if you have a winger, an out-and-out player, who has something different.”
Doak’s presence gives Scotland a new dimension, one that has been sorely lacking in recent years. His ability to beat defenders, deliver crosses, and provide a constant threat in the final third has transformed the way the team attacks.
The Road Ahead
At just 19 years old, Ben Doak’s journey is only beginning. His decision to join Liverpool has already paid dividends, providing him with the platform to develop his skills and compete at the highest level. While his time at Celtic may have been brief, his impact on Scottish football is undeniable.
For Scotland, the emergence of Doak represents a bright future. Alongside established stars like Andy Robertson and emerging talents like Billy Gilmour, the winger is part of a new generation that has the potential to take the national team to new heights.
Meanwhile, Celtic fans can take solace in the knowledge that their club played a key role in Doak’s development. While his departure may have been a disappointment, it also serves as a reminder of the quality of players produced by the club’s academy.
Final Thoughts
Ally McCoist’s comparison of Ben Doak to Jude Bellingham may raise eyebrows, but it also highlights the remarkable progress made by the young winger. Like Bellingham, Doak plays with a freedom and confidence that sets him apart from his peers. His performances for Scotland have been a revelation, and there is every reason to believe that he will continue to shine on the international stage.
For Celtic, the story of Ben Doak is bittersweet. While his departure was a blow, it also serves as a testament to the club’s ability to identify and nurture exceptional talent. As Doak’s star continues to rise, Celtic fans can take pride in knowing that their club played a crucial role in his journey.
As for Doak himself, the future looks incredibly bright. Whether for Liverpool, Scotland, or beyond, the winger’s potential is limitless. And while comparisons to Jude Bellingham may be premature, one thing is certain: Ben Doak is a name to watch.
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