3 Things to know about Leicester target Ben Doak

The Foxes have extended the stays of Jamie Vardy, Jannik Vestergaard, and Wilfred Ndidi, signing Michael Golding, Abdul Fatawu, and Caleb Okoli for fees, and brought in Bobby De Cordova-Reid on a free transfer. That is a lot of work to have already done across the pitch, but Cooper clearly believes there is more work to be done.

One of the myriad links is to Liverpool’s youngster Ben Doak. The Scottish winger is an exciting prospect, although clearly he would not come in ahead of any current player and expectedly should be behind Wanya Marcal-Madivadua in the pecking order. Nevertheless, the player does have strengths Leicester should be interested in.

What Leicester City need to know

The primary characteristic noted by Anfield-based supporter media and analysts is the pure pace and acceleration the player portrays. In essence, Doak illustrates the fundamentals required to be an explosive winger that can knock the ball passed a defensive line and rush the ball forward either into the box for a chance or down the wing to aid progression for the whole team.

Of course, we are unsure of whether the Welsh head coach will play Leicester City in a style which requires this, but the Scottish winger could certainly compete with Fatawu as time progresses, and can play on both the left and right to compete with Stephy Mavididi. The King Power side could use his energy and pace as an impact sub for either wing when facing stronger opposition to take advantage of transitions and counters.

However, it is important to note that Doak lacks a clinical finish at this point in his career, so would not offer much in terms of attacking contribution. Cooper would likely want to use the player purely as a progressive winger that can start deeper and help the team forward. I do not see the talent as a first team signing, or as a second team signing.

So, he is positionally an all-round winger, fundamentally offers a progressive and pacy style of play, but lacks the necessary quality at this time to be an immediate squad member with such a critical season ahead of the Foxes. Leicester should probably not sign permamently, and have a loan with option to buy should the loan spell be successful. After all, they are also interested in a more accomplished winger in Reiss Nelson.