Emile Heskey full of praise for Liverpool after 'smart' transfer decision

Emile Heskey believes Middlesbrough is the ideal destination for Ben Doak , given Michael Carrick's track record with nurturing talent.

Middlesbrough secured the services of 18-year-old Doak on a season-long loan on deadline day, with Liverpool deeming it necessary for the speedy Scottish winger to gain regular playing time this season. Middlesbrough outmanoeuvred approximately seven other clubs in the race for his signature, including Leicester and Southampton.

While Middlesbrough generally steers clear of loan deals that offer little chance of a permanent move at the end, it is known to keep tabs on the youth teams of top-tier clubs, staying informed about the country's most promising talents and potential chances.

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Despite its usual approach, when it became apparent that Doak was set to depart Anfield this summer, Middlesbrough felt compelled to act and is thrilled to have secured him.

Liverpool's aim, naturally, is for the winger to get regular game time this season at the Riverside, develop his skills, and then return to challenge for a spot in Arne Slot's squad next season. Before a knee injury cut short his campaign last December, he had already been a fixture in Jurgen Klopp's squads and had made 10 first-team appearances.

Speaking to BetMGM and covered by Teeside Live , Heskey said: "Every player who seems to have gone on loan to Middlesbrough since Michael Carrick has been there has developed really well. He's a young manager who likes to see young players express themselves.

"Young players with plenty of talent have a lot less thought process and play much more instinctively, so credit to Carrick for letting his players play this way. When I saw Ben Doak going on loan to Middlesbrough, I was pleased; he needs to play regular football and enjoy himself.

"He is guaranteed to express himself as he is talented, and he has a fiery temperament to match. Young players with talent and a fiery temperament, such as one of the best the Premier League has ever seen in Wayne Rooney, do need nurturing and guidance.

"I think arguably one of the best managers to nurture Doak is Carrick, as he played with Rooney for such a long time. I would like to think he could possibly get talent out of Ben and bring him on as a player. Middlesbrough are doing really well at this moment in time in terms of producing young players, so I think this is a smart move for Liverpool and Ben."