Former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson has delivered his reaction on the future of Tottenham defender Matt Doherty this summer.
The lowdown: Out of favour
Signed by then Spurs manager Nuno Espirito Santo in order to reunite in north London from Wolves in August 2020, Doherty has struggled to recapture his best form in N17.
So far, the 30-year-old Republic of Ireland international right-back has made 54 outings for the Lilywhites and directly contributed to 14 goals in the process, way short of the 28 goals and 41 assists in 302 appearances whilst becoming a favourite in the Midlands.
Now, following a report from talkSPORT claiming Doherty is free to leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium during the ongoing transfer window, one invested pundit has admitted the early exit would be somewhat premature.
The latest: ‘It would surprise me’
Speaking to Football Insider, ex-Tottenham stopper turned Sky Sports contributor Robinson has suggested that the 29-cap ace still has plenty to offer Antonio Conte’s side.
He said: “If that is true, I am surprised. He had a slow start to the season. He looked a little lost but when he got in the side under Conte he improved massively. We saw the reason Spurs signed him.
“He suits the system at right wing-back. Offensively, he did really, really well. I feel like we were finally starting to see the best of him. For that reason, if they did let him go it would surprise me.
“They are obviously in the market for a right wing-back but I don’t think that means there isn’t a place for Doherty in the squad. It would be difficult to lose him at this stage of pre-season.”
The verdict: Spot on
After a difficult first season for the club that saw the Irishman make just 29 appearances across all competitions, Doherty returned from injury to start seven consecutive Premier League matches from February to April and began to show the form that earned the switch initially.
Even prior to that prolonged spell in Conte’s plans, the Dublin-born star had been hailed for an ‘absolutely class’ second-half performance against Leicester City on January 20 that saw the marauding defender awarded a 7.20 Sofascore rating whilst providing one assist and four key passes.
Overall last season, Doherty scored twice and provided four assists in 15 Premier League outings, operating as both a left and right wing-back, roles that would make him ideally suited to Conte’s preferred 3-4-3/3-5-2 style.
However, it does seem as though a move could be on the cards before the window closes as Tottenham edge closer to the capture of Djed Spence and as such, Fabio Paratici and ENIC will be looking to recoup a healthy fee from what could be a list of numerous takers for the £10.8million valued former Wolves man.
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