Ben Doak has been a vital member of Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough team this season, as the Teesside team is still in the running for the Championship play-offs.
Although the Liverpool loanee has had an incredible season at the Riverside, making 24 appearances across all competitions and recording three goals and seven assists, the news that he may be sidelined for the season has dampened supporters’ hopes that the team will advance this year.
The Scottish international’s stint at Middlesbrough was scheduled to terminate at the end of the current campaign, but it appears that any dreams of extending the loan have been dashed.
The 19-year-old is reportedly a priority target for both Bournemouth and Crystal Palace, according to journalist Alan Nixon via Patreon.
Nixon thinks Liverpool might use Doak as a negotiating chip to secure either of their alleged targets—Antoine Semenyo or Milos Kerkez—from the Cherries.
Here are three possible wing replacements for him at Middlesbrough next season, since his departure is all but definite.
Tyrhys Dolan Doak won over the Boro supporters this season with his dribbling prowess, speed, and unwavering attitude. It’s easy to see why the Scottish international is regarded as a promising talent.
However, Tyrhys Dolan of Blackburn Rovers has been praised for all of these attributes.
The 23-year-old would make an excellent replacement for the departing Liverpool loanee, as Dolan has shown himself since taking over as coach under John Eustace.
Since the Blackburn player’s contract is about to end this summer and he is reportedly weighing his alternatives, there is a lot of conjecture about his future.
With four goals and five assists in his 36 league games this season, Dolan has been a vital member of the previous Premier League winners.
The Teesside club and many other Championship teams will be keeping an eye on him because he is free this summer.
Diangana, Grady
Tormenting opponents with his willingness to dribble at them, this player also enjoys having the ball at his feet.
Since Grady Diangana possesses the traits Michael Carrick values in a 19-year-old, he would make a good substitute for Doak.
Since joining from West Ham in August 2019, the Congolese international has been a vital member of the West Bromwich Albion team. The following season, he made the transfer permanent.
He has made 196 appearances for the Baggies in all competitions, contributing 21 assists and 26 goals.
Like Dolan, Middlesbrough will see the fact that his contract expires this summer as a key consideration in their potential pursuit of him to replace Doak.Trent Kone-Doherty
In order to cover for the outgoing Doak, Middlesbrough may choose to bring in Trent Kone-Doherty to replace the Liverpool loanee.
In 196 games across all competitions, he has helped the Baggies score 26 goals and provide 21 assists.
Similar to Dolan, Middlesbrough will take into account the fact that his contract ends this summer when deciding whether to pursue him to succeed Doak.
Trent Kone-Doherty
Middlesbrough may decide to replace the Liverpool loanee with Trent Kone-Doherty in order to make up for the departing Doak.
He is a player who might assist Carrick’s team improve, even though he is not a direct substitute for Doak like the other choices suggested.
Taking the somewhat inexperienced player on loan to the team could be risky, but with Carrick’s excellent coaching, he might contribute just as much to the team as Doak.
