What Ben Doak could bring to West Ham as Liverpool valuation already set
Liverpool’s Ben Doak is attracting interest from West Ham after a stellar campaign on loan at Middlesbrough.
West Ham appear to have struck gold with the signing of El Hadji Malick Diouf, and they could repeat that trick at the opposite end of the pitch with the arrival of Doak.
The Liverpool forward has been linked with a move to West Ham this summer, with the Reds having already rejected bids in the region of £20million for the teenager in January.
That means if West Ham want to bring Doak to the London Stadium, they will likely have to offer more than that amount.
Doak could move on from Anfield in the coming weeks, and if the Irons can strike a deal, it could be a major coup.
Doak would be the perfect Mohammed Kudus replacement
Ever since Mohammed Kudus’ transfer to Spurs was confirmed, it was evident that the Irons would need to replace him, and there may be no one better suited than Doak.
Not only does the Scotsman know the league, but his ability was on full show on loan at Middlesbrough, where he registered 10 goal contributions in 24 games.
Via Fotmob, the 19-year-old averaged 1.76 successful dribbles per 90, with 2.22 chances created.
- Ability to beat defenders
- Close ball control
- Bursts of acceleration
- Still only 19 years old
Over the course of the campaign, Doak created 44 chances, which placed him in the top 82.6 per cent of his players for his position.
His low centre of gravity is key to his game, with his ability to drift through defenders like they aren’t there.
Aside from Jarrod Bowen, West Ham lack that type of profile, and Doak could transform their attacking identity under Graham Potter.
What have others said about Doak?
Doak is very highly rated at Liverpool, and they won’t part ways with him unless it is an offer that is too good to turn down, though a move to the London Stadium could be on the cards.
The Scotsman has come in for plenty of praise throughout his short career, with those at Anfield particularly fond of him.
- Virgil van Dijk: “He’s very exciting, very direct, one-on-one. I call him a Tasmanian Devil … If his decision making gets better … then he could definitely be one for the future.”
- Nat Phillips: “People have every reason to be excited about him. He is very confident. … He’s electric when he is running at players, … Fearless is the way I would describe him.”
- Tommy Conway: “He’s a confident boy. He reminds me of myself at his age … a bit cheeky and the world at your feet.”
- Jurgen Klopp: “He is really a lively boy, a smart player, good dribbler, fast, can use both legs. He’s good!”
- Michael Owen: “He’s excited a lot of the staff at Liverpool… an aggressive, hard-working type of player, plays quite a mature game.”
If West Ham can get this deal over the line, it would be a huge addition to the squad, and one that could profit them greatly in years to come.
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