Liverpool loanee Doak dismisses ‘playground’ talk after Championship draw

On-loan Liverpool midfielder Ben Doak was reluctant to talk up his performance after impressing again in Middlesbrough’s 1-1 draw at Burnley to deny their opponents the Championship summit.

The 19-year-old, who became the youngest Scottish player to appear in the Premier League when he made his top-flight debut for the Reds in December 2022, agreed a season-long loan at the Riverside Stadium in August following a knee injury last December that ruled him out of much of last season.

“I think we play some of the best football in the league” 💪

Anfernee Dijksteel and Ben Doak react to Middlesbrough’s draw against Burnley 👇 pic.twitter.com/x0AiC5ocrx

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 6, 2024

Doak’s display, which included a dazzling run before shooting wide during the first half, led Sky Sports to suggest he had made Burnley’s Turf Moor his “playground” on Friday.

“I wouldn’t quite say that, to be honest,” replied the former Celtic prospect. “I don’t really see it as trying to make it a playground.

Anfernee Dijksteel has given Middlesbrough the lead! 🔥👊 pic.twitter.com/G2EU1sdtXC

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 6, 2024

“It’s what I’ve been good at since I’ve been young, so I figured to just play to my strengths. Hopefully I play well doing that.”

Scotland international Doak had provided five assists in his previous five appearances for Middlesbrough and scored in their 2-0 home win against Stoke City on September 28.

“Overall I’m really pleased” 🗣️

Burnley boss Scott Parker reacts to his sides draw against Middlesbrough 👊 pic.twitter.com/uXnCziaM0S

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 6, 2024

Burnley vs Middlesbrough: Spectacular Roberts goal

Connor Roberts’ ingenious lob earned Burnley a point as the Clarets moved one behind Championship leaders Sheffield United.

Anfernee Dijksteel’s silky spin to enter the penalty area and fleet-footed chip over James Trafford gave Boro a 13th-minute lead but Scott Parker’s side applied much of the first-half pressure, deservedly equalising through Roberts eight minutes before the break.

Emmanuel Latte Lath had the best chance of a more even second period, breaking clear before being denied by home goalkeeper James Trafford.

“That goal has been coming!” 🗣️

Burnley equalise through a SENSATIONAL strike from Connor Roberts 🤯 pic.twitter.com/HFLdYbvbQY

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 6, 2024

Ben Doak: Middlesbrough squad ‘great’

Doak said Middlesbrough was “without a doubt” the best place for him in 2024/25. “We play some of the best football in the league,” he explained.

“A lot of the football comes down the right side – it suits me really well. I’ve got a great group of lads around me; a lot of talented footballers.”

“Bit disappointed” 🗣️

Middlesbrough head coach Michael Carrick feels his side are moving the right direction despite not being able to come away with a win 👇 pic.twitter.com/Mg1MzxreVn

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 6, 2024

Middlesbrough are six points behind Burnley in fifth and their superior goal difference over seventh-placed West Bromwich Albion means only a five-goal win for the Baggies at home to Sheffield United on Sunday (3pm GMT) will knock Michael Carrick’s team out of the play-off places this weekend.

Burnley are two points above third-placed Leeds United and four clear of Sunderland behind the Whites. Leeds play their game in hand at home to 15th-placed Derby County on Saturday (12.30pm) – the same time as the Black Cats host Stoke City.