Phil Bardsley: Leeds Would Be Ideal Fit For Wing Wizard Ben Doak

Phil Bardsley has backed Liverpool winger Ben Doak to continue his football education at another club – either on loan or permanently.

Speaking exclusively to Gambling.com, the former Scotland defender believes the exciting teenage winger needs first-team experience elsewhere rather than playing in the Reds reserves or Under-21s.

Doak spent a successful loan spell at Middlesbrough last season, scoring three goals and supplying seven assists, but is now back on Merseyside awaiting his next move.

Liverpool, 7/4 favourites on football betting sites to retain their Premier League title, reportedly would accept £20million for the youngster, who is thought to be a target for top-flight clubs Leeds and West Ham.

Farke Would Bring Out Best In Doak

If push came to shove, Bardsley reckons the Scotland international would be better off choosing the Whites, who are back in the top flight after winning the Championship last season.

“It'd be difficult for me to say, but obviously West Ham and Leeds both come with great expectations. It depends if you want to live in London or Leeds! It depends what he likes away from football", said Bardsley, who will represent Manchester United in the Manchester Masters at the AO Arena on September 5.

He added: “I'd probably go to Leeds to be fair. I just think that style of football under [Daniel] Farke would probably suit him. You can see what he's trying to do there at Leeds.

“Obviously, they’ve agreed something with [Dominic] Calvert-Lewin. If you can see a club where you can see these things happening in the right place, it probably makes your mind up for you.”

Reds Could Be Loan Arranger

If a permanent move fails to happen before the summer transfer window shuts on September 1, then Bardsley reckons Doak would benefit from another loan stint.

“I don't know if he had a couple of injuries throughout the campaign, but he's certainly an exciting player,” said the former Sunderland, Stoke and Burnley defender. 

“If you're not going to get game-time at your club, you certainly have to look at the next best thing.

“And it’s about going on loan to a club that will suit him and suit the style that he plays. So, I'm sure Liverpool have got their eyes on that. I'm sure they've probably made a decision on that - their squad looks quite top-heavy now."

He added: “They've made a few signings in the window. Under-21s football isn’t great, so if you're not playing, you're not featuring, I think going out and getting games on your CV is so important.”

Stick With Clarke

In 2022, Doak became the youngest player to score for Scotland Under-21s at the age of 16 and last year Steve Clarke brought him on as a substitute for his senior international debut in a 3-2 Nations League defeat to Poland.

Clarke ended Scotland’s 22-year major tournament drought when the country qualified for Euro 2020.

The former Chelsea defender then led the national team to Euro 2024 which ended with just one point from three group games.

Clarke came under fire for his country’s performances in Germany, but Bardsley thinks the Scottish FA should keep faith with him.

He said: “He's been brilliant. Obviously he's been a breath of fresh air since he's gone in there and qualified for major tournaments. He’s been outstanding.

“It's never an easy thing to do with the sort of competition you're up against, but he managed to get to the championships.

“To be fair, I thought it was a little bit too much for them. I don't think they were particularly great in the tournament, but what he's done has been exceptional.

“I think he always goes through that transition as well. There's always a new influx of younger players coming through.

“So, I think I'd be patient with him as he's proved what he can do. And I imagine now he's going to get an influx of younger players that he's going to start integrating into the squad. So, I'd be patient with him and just let him keep doing what he's doing.”