Ben Doak performed a key half in Scotland’s objective in an unlucky 2-1 loss to Croatia on Saturday night time, with followers impressed as he “terrorised” Josko Gvardiol.
Doak turned the youngest participant to begin a aggressive match for Scotland since 1965 when he made his full debut towards Croatia within the UEFA Nations League.
The 18-year-old additionally turned the youngest since Kieran Tierney in 2016 to begin any recreation for his nation, doing so in his third outing for Steve Clarke’s aspect.
Stationed in his pure place on the correct wing, Doak got here up towards Man Metropolis defender Gvardiol, which noticed him run straight on the left-back all through his 77 minutes on the pitch.
In keeping with FotMob, {the teenager} accomplished two of his three tried dribbles whereas the £77 million defender failed in each of his tried tackles.
Ryan Christie latches on to a sliced clearance to open the scoring in Zagreb ?#CROSCO pic.twitter.com/2vH92TbCYo
— Scotland Nationwide Workforce (@ScotlandNT) October 12, 2024
One such one-on-one noticed Doak minimize inside and ship a left-footed cross into the field which, although initially wayward, was scuffed into the trail of Ryan Christie by Luka Sucic.
Christie fired residence, with Duje Caleta-Automotive unsuccessful in his goal-line clearance, and Doak may come away claiming one thing resembling an help.
Total it was a optimistic efficiency from Doak, who gained extra admirers among the many Scotland assist, with many urging Clarke to retain him as first-choice proper winger.
Very optimistic first begin from Ben Doak ???????
Precipitated issues together with his dribbling and tempo & was instrumental within the objective. Took the ‘secure’ choice with remaining ball too usually imo however will discover the correct stability with extra game-time for Scotland.
Must be the beginning RW to any extent further. pic.twitter.com/XLYKdvwkCb
— The Younger Workforce ??????? (@The_Young_Team) October 13, 2024
So harsh on Scotland.
Performances are there in Nations League A however the staff simply lack the leading edge & rub of the inexperienced.
Ben Doak with an encouraging efficiency tonight I felt. Supplied a totally totally different dynamic out extensive and must persistently begin going ahead. pic.twitter.com/Tc2Q3xdaL6
— Josh McCafferty (@Joshmcc_05) October 12, 2024
Ben Doak is terrorising Gvardiol right here
— Jack Soutar (@JackSoutar04) October 12, 2024
What a heartening Scotland efficiency tonight, even in defeat, with 14 gamers lacking via harm. No main missteps on the again however a lot up entrance. Ben Doak – the youngest Scot to begin a aggressive males’s worldwide in six a long time – appears an actual expertise.
— Alastair M. Redpath (@officialAliRed) October 12, 2024
Been actually impressed with Doak right here. Carried the ball up the park a good few instances now. Actually good choice in video games like this
— Scott Properly (@ScottWisely5xo) October 12, 2024
I simply wish to see Doak sprinting at individuals for 90 minutes.
— McGregor??????? (@HibeesMc) October 12, 2024
What a distinction Ben Doak makes. In case you are adequate you might be sufficiently old???
— Nicola Ironside (@nicola_ironside) October 12, 2024
Talking after the sport in quotes through the Press Affiliation, the Scotland supervisor was stuffed with reward for his No. 17 however preached warning relating to his progress.
“I’m actually happy for Ben and as a coach I’m happy with Ben. That’s his first begin, I’m positive it received’t be his final,” Clarke informed reporters.
“He’s obtained attributes and qualities. That’s why he’s within the squad.
“That’s why I attempted to place him within the squad in the summertime earlier than his harm confirmed up. We see what Ben’s obtained for us. However we’re additionally cautious.
“You must watch out with younger gamers. You must deliver them via on the proper time.
“Clearly, injury-wise, it’s in all probability accelerated his debut. And his debut was good or his first begin was good.
“We are able to construct on that. Whether or not he’s obtained the legs and the vitality to go on Tuesday night time [against Portugal] after such an enormous shift tonight, we are able to assess over the following couple of days.
“Let’s get pleasure from Ben, however let’s not put an excessive amount of strain on him.
“He’s obtained a fantastic perspective. Very open. Decided to enhance and stuff like that.
“He is aware of that he’s obtained components he’s given and he has to enhance. He’s not a shy boy. He’s an excellent character.”
Elsewhere on Saturday night time, Conor Bradley performed the complete 90 minutes as captain in Northern Eire’s 0-0 draw with Belarus and Diogo Jota got here off the bench in Portugal’s 3-1 win away to Poland.
Teen Amara Nallo was additionally used as an alternative as England U19s beat the Netherlands 4-1 as a part of a four-nation event in Marbella.
