Liverpool star Ben Doak left Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol for dead with a sensational piece of skill in a Player of the Match performance for Scotland against Croatia in the Nations League on Friday night.
Steve Clarke’s side picked up a narrow 1-0 victory at Hampden Park courtesy of a late goal from Aston Villa’s John McGinn, but it was Liverpool’s teenage sensation who made the headlines. It was only the 19-year-old’s fifth cap for Scotland, but he didn’t look out of place as he showcased his talent throughout the 89 minutes he spent on the pitch.
In the first half, just before the 20-minute mark, Doak was picked out on the right flank by striker Tommy Conway. With a fantastic piece of skill, he was able to turn City and Croatia defender, Gvardiol, and run into space before laying it off to Scott McTominay on the edge of the box.
The midfielder’s eventual effort was saved by Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski, but that wasn’t Doak’s only significant involvement in a lively game in Glasgow. Croatia were down to 10 men for the entirety of the second half after Petar Sucic was given his marching orders for a second yellow card before the break.
In the build-up to McGinn’s winner, Doak once again got the better of Gvardiol down the right as he then attempted to beat the goalkeeper from a tight angle. The winger’s effort was parried back out into the box and McGinn was there to drill an effort into the back of the net to put Scotland level with Poland on four points in their Nations League group.
