Jurgen Klopp thrilled by Liverpool starlet on debut, with new contract now being rushed through by club chiefs

Jurgen Klopp was left extremely impressed by a Liverpool player during the cup clash with Derby County and the teenager is now in line for a new contract, according to a report.

Liverpool came up against Derby in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday night. The match gave Klopp an opportunity to rest most of his first-team stars and select some squad players and academy graduates.

This saw the likes of Caoimhin Kelleher, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Joe Gomez, Bobby Clark and Fabio Carvalho start at Anfield.

Liverpool were left frustrated as League One Derby kept them at bay for the first 66 minutes. This saw Klopp make some changes, with Roberto Firmino, Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott all coming on.

They were followed by Scottish winger Ben Doak in the 71st minute. He replaced Clark and went on to impress the Anfield crowd during his Liverpool debut.

Doak used his pace and dribbling skills to cause Derby’s defence problems in the final 20 minutes or so.

Despite Doak’s brilliance, Liverpool couldn’t get a winning goal in normal time. They ultimately booked their place in the fourth round when Kelleher saved three Derby penalties in a 3-2 shoot-out victory.

When asked about Doak after the win, Klopp said: “That’s Ben. His instructions were easy: do what you do all the time.

Jurgen Klopp praises ‘lively’ Liverpool teenager

“He is really a lively boy, a smart player, good dribbler, fast, can use both legs. He’s good. It was nice to watch, really nice to watch – him coming in and immediately a lot of things are obviously natural to him, which is really helpful.

“I am pretty sure his family was here tonight. I can remember when I saw the family at the AXA [Training Centre] when we signed the boy, how excited everybody was. Now having this night, it’s the next step, it’s cool. He showed up, obviously.”

Doak made such a big impression that he is now in line for his first Liverpool contract. According to The National, the Scotland U21 international will sign a professional deal with Liverpool this week. The terms will be announced soon after Doak turns 17 on Friday.

Ben Doak in line for Liverpool contract

Liverpool chiefs are rushing through the contract after being impressed by Doak’s display against the Rams, just like Klopp was.

The Reds want to prevent him from considering a move elsewhere by tying him down for the next few years.

It is no surprise Doak has made such a good impression on Merseyside. When coming through Celtic’s academy he was tipped to become one of Scotland’s best players in the future.

Liverpool swooped in and announced his arrival on April 21. They had to pay Celtic £600,000 in compensation as the attacker hadn’t penned a professional deal with the Hoops at that point.

Doak has gone from strength to strength while at Liverpool and he capped off an exciting year with a fantastic debut this week.

Klopp is known for his ability to develop young players and give them chances in the starting eleven when the time is right. Due to this, Doak could flourish at Anfield and therefore follow in the footsteps of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harvey Elliott.

Meanwhile, a pundit has explained why Mo Salah has returned to his best for Liverpool after a slow start to the campaign.