Matt Doherty suffering from ‘Mourinho effect’ at Spurs, says Richard Dunne

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Former Manchester City and Ireland defender, Richard Dunne, believes Matt Doherty is falling foul of what he calls the ‘Mourinho effect’ at Spurs this season.

Doherty has played second fiddle for much of the season behind Serge Aurier. This, despite arriving in the summer from Wolves with a glowing reputation as one of the best attacking full-backs in the league.

Spurs are struggling for momentum under Mourinho at the moment. And speaking to Sunday World, Dunne believes that Doherty is simply falling foul of some of the tactics Mourinho employs.

“Matt is suffering a bit from the ‘Mourinho Effect’ at Tottenham. Spurs was a difficult move to start with for Matt. He had done so well over the previous few seasons, as an attacking full back, scoring goals, creating opportunities,” Dunne said.

“He was almost a midfielder who had defensive duties. But when I look at Mourinho’s teams over the years, he’s never really had that type of player. When a player like that has a focus on attacking, it almost gives the manager an excuse to drop him.”

Dunne knows Doherty well through the Ireland set up. The former Wolves man, 29, will be disappointed with his contribution this term, especially given Serge Aurier has once again been in erratic form.

TBR View: Patience needed, next season could be big for Doherty

Matt Doherty is a good Premier League player. He proved he was at Wolves so there’s little reason as to why he can’t do it with Spurs.

He does like to get forward, yes. But he can defend, and he’s certainly no worse than Aurier at times, especially when it comes to discipline and professionalism on the field.

Hopefully things can work out for the Irishman and he can cement his spot at right-back between now and the end of the season.