Celtic do not have a great record in recent times when it comes to promoting their youth standouts to the senior team. One of the biggest reasons behind that is the fact that a lot of their best youngsters end up leaving the club for teams down south and beyond, before ever making an impact at the senior level for the Hoops.
It works out for a few while most end up getting lost in the shuffle. One player who has clearly benefited from his move down south is Ben Doak.
He was handed a few appearances by Ange Postecoglou but that was not enough to stop him from leaving Celtic. Doak is still just 17 years of age but is already involved in Jurgen Klopp’s team and has even made a couple of starts for Liverpool this season till now.
The future looks bright for Doak to say the very least. And he has shed some light on his decision to leave Celtic for Liverpool.
Doak explains why he left Celtic to join Liverpool
As reported by the Glasgow Times, when asked if he had any regrets about moving to Liverpool, Doak said:
"“No, not at all.“Without being disrespectful to teams up here, the level at Liverpool, a team that got to three Champions League finals in recent years, is incredible.“It’s the highest I’ve ever seen with my own eyes. It’s a must to set the bar high for my levels. The other players’ standards seem so high without trying sometimes because they’re just that good.”"
There is certainly no reason for Doak to regret his move to Liverpool at this point in time. He is involved at the first-team level for Liverpool at just 17 years of age. Very few players can say that.
It is very clear that Klopp sees something in him, as many others do as well. Now, it is down to him to prove them right.
To be very honest, Celtic do not have a good recent record when it comes to promoting youngsters. Just look at the current situation of Rocco Vata, who has been superb for the B Team but has yet to play a single minute for the senior team this season, amidst doubts over his future.