In-form Middlesbrough midfielder Ben Doak was reluctant to talk about his performance after impressing again on loan from Liverpool in a 1-1 draw to deny Burnley top of the Championship.
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 which ruled him out for much of last season.
“I think we are playing 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 firing wide during the first half, led Sky Sports to suggest he had made Burnley’s Turf Moor his ‘playground’ on Friday.
“I wouldn’t say that, to be honest,” replied the former Celtic prospect. “I don’t really see it as trying to make it a playground.
Anferne Dijkstill gave Middlesbrough the lead! 🔥👊 pic.twitter.com/G2EU1sdtXC
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 6, 2024
“That’s what I’ve been good at since I was young, so I thought I’d play to my strengths. I hope I play well doing that.”
Scotland international Doak had provided five assists in his previous five appearances for Middlesbrough and scored in a 2-0 home win over Stoke City on 28 September.
“Overall I am very pleased” 🗣️
Burnley boss Scott Parker reacts to his sides draw against Middlesbrough 👊 pic.twitter.com/uXnCziaM0S
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 6, 2024
Burnley – Middlesbrough: Spectacular goal from Roberts
Conor Roberts’ clever lob earned Burnley a point as the Clarets fell one behind Championship leaders Sheffield United.
Anfernee Dijksteel’s silky turn into the penalty area and fleet chip over James Trafford gave Boro a 13th-minute lead, but Scott Parker’s side applied much of the pressure in the first half, deservedly equalizing through by Roberts eight minutes before the break.
Emmanuel Latte Lath had the best chance of a more even second period, breaking over before being denied by home keeper James Trafford.
“This goal has arrived!” 🗣️
Burnley equalize with CONOR Roberts strike 🤯 pic.twitter.com/HFLdYbvbQY
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 6, 2024
Ben Doak: The Middlesbrough team is excellent
Doak said Middlesbrough was “without 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 from the right side – it suits me very well. I have a great group of lads around me. many talented footballers”.
“A little disappointed” 🗣️
Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick believes his side are moving in the right direction despite failing to win 👇 pic.twitter.com/Mg1MzxreVn
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 6, 2024
Middlesbrough are six points behind fifth-placed Burnley and their superior goal difference over seventh-placed West Bromwich Albion means only a five-goal win for the Baggies at Sheffield United on Sunday (3pm GMT) will out of the game Michael Carrick’s team. -out of seats this weekend.
Burnley are two points above third-placed Leeds United and four from Sunderland behind the Whites. Leeds play their game in hand at home to 15th-placed Derby County on Saturday (12.30pm) – at the same time as the Black Cats host Stoke City.
