22 September 2023 , 21:30
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Virgil van Dijk is hardly one to get carried away, so when he says he’s “excited about the future that’s coming”, it’s time to sit up and take notice.
The Liverpool skipper - like everyone at Anfield - sees the huge potential in teenage tyro Ben Doak, who at age 17 is prompting the sort of excitement last seen when Michael Owen made a stunning breakthrough at the same tender age.
Doak became the fourth youngest player ever to appear for the Reds in European competition with his start in Linz, and he showed flashes of genius which had his captain purring.
“It was a big night for him. It was never going to be easy, it was a difficult pitch, but he could have set up at least two goals in the first half where he went past his man like no one was there,” van Dijk explained.
“Unfortunately nobody was on the end of it. But I am pleased for him and I’m also very excited for him and the future that’s coming. So we are really pleased with the night because there were many positives on what was always going to be a tough test.
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Doak wasn’t the only youngster to star. 20-year-old Harvey Elliott showed an exquisite passing range as he ran the midfield, while 21-year-old Ryan Gravenberch emerged with a fine second-half performance and an assist.
Ben Doak has caught the eye for the Reds (Andrew Powell/Getty Images)Add to that trio 18-year-old Stefan Bacjetic, who showed real versatility with a promising display as a stand-in right-back, and centre-back Jarrel Quansah, and Klopp has so many fine young players at his disposal.
Curtis Jones is still only 22 as is new signing and instant sensation Dominic Sozboszlai, while Trent Alexander-Arnold, Darwin Nunez, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, Ibrahima Konate and Caoimhín Kelleher are all only 24.
That is the backbone of a team for the next decade, and van Dijk admits that while the young team is still learning, players like Nunez - who was impressive once again in Austria - are bringing fresh impetus to the squad this season.
“Everyone has now seen the potential and the quality Darwin has. Up front, the competition is good. They all push each other and it’s good to see,” he said.
“Against LASK, Darwin was important with the goal. Long may it continue, and with the other boys as well. We are improving each day, and this was a good step with the boys in Europe.”