Even Steve Clarke can no longer contain himself. Scotland's manager has spent months cautioning a football nation to temper its excitement around Ben Doak. His starring role on Friday evening, as Scotland triumphed over Croatia, where he mesmerized the £77m Josko Gvardiol in a spectacular first-half moment, led Clarke to drop his guard. 'Ben is a young player that we need to protect and look after,' he said. 'But I realize he is good for now and hopefully for a long time in the future.' In essence: I will continue to select him.
Clarke was right to dampen the hype surrounding Doak, a player who had already made a name for himself long before his move from Celtic to Liverpool in 2022. Scotland's inability to produce a sufficient number of elite, game-ready young footballers means the public clings to any potential star. Far more fall short of the hype than live up to it. For every Billy Gilmour, there are countless Oliver Burkes. The desperate search for heroes has led to exaggerated expectations.
Doak no longer requires protection. It is unthinkable that Scotland will not rely on him again in Poland on Monday, where a win could bring significant rewards. Clarke started John McGinn, a modern-day icon in Scotland's colors, on the bench against Croatia but chose Doak. Few nations would hesitate to play a forward of his age if he commands regular club football. Doak's loan move from Liverpool to Middlesbrough has been crucial for his first-team experience in a physically demanding league. There is no reason to continue treating him with kid gloves.
Doak possesses blistering speed and a direct style that appeals to the fans. What you see is what you get. His working-class background provides a refreshing contrast to the perception that football has become overpriced or unappealing to that demographic. Supporters can relate to Doak's personality and approach to the game. But he is also highly effective; Gvardiol looked visibly unsettled at times in Glasgow. Scotland lacks another attacking option like Doak, which is crucial for a country with limited scoring options. It makes sense to stick with him, especially given his current confidence.
Doak's journey at Liverpool seemed promising until a serious knee injury cut short his 2023-24 season. Jürgen Klopp was a fan. Arne Slot's arrival and the loan move suggested Doak might fade into the background at Anfield. Mohamed Salah's future and Liverpool's need for wide forwards beyond May are relevant here. The success of Doak's loan is also a key factor. Even if he needs to move permanently to reignite his career, he can look to Gilmour's example. From being peripheral at Chelsea, the midfielder shone at Brighton and now finds himself at the pinnacle of Serie A with Napoli.
A Scotland victory in Warsaw, coupled with Portugal defeating Croatia, could propel Clarke's team into uncharted territory (the permutations of which are best left to Carl Friedrich Gauss). Scotland could compete in a Nations League quarter-final and be in the top pot for the World Cup qualifying draw. If this seems extraordinary for a side that has won only two of their past 17 fixtures, it is a testament to Clarke's ability to elevate his country's status, a point even his harshest critics cannot ignore. Scotland now plays for significant prizes, inevitably facing tough times along the way. If UEFA wants to promote the success of the Nations League, Scotland provides a prime example.
If results do not go Scotland's way, relegation to Group B of the Nations League is a possibility. Some argue this would benefit Clarke, as he could improve his win statistics by managing against teams of more equal standing. The 61-year-old vehemently opposes this idea, insisting Scotland will only develop by testing themselves against top-tier teams. Clarke's theory is supported by the visible progress since the summer Euros and a lackluster exit on a dismal night in Stuttgart. This is linked to Doak; Liverpool will take note of his performance against Europe's elite international teams.
McGinn came off the bench to score the winning goal against Croatia. It was a memorable moment for a player who has recently felt the weight of the Scotland jersey. However, it was Doak's name on everyone's lips. When the usually composed Clarke is almost giddy, the direction of travel seems clear.
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