‘One of the best’: International boss thinks Spurs have snapped up a ‘big asset’

Add as preferred source on Google

Tottenham Hotspur have got themselves a “great deal” in Matt Doherty, according to Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny.

Doherty was announced as a Spurs player on Sunday, the 28-year-old joining from Wolves in a reported £14.7million deal and penning a four-year deal in North London.

The right-back made 50 appearances for Wolves last season as the Molineux club finished seventh in the Premier League and reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

Doherty, who had three years remaining on his deal, claimed seven goals and five assists last term.

As reported by Football London, he is second only to Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold in creating chances among Premier League right-backs over the past two seasons in all competitions.

At international level, meanwhile, Doherty has won nine caps, making his debut in 2018 despite having been named in matchday squads two years prior.

“Matt, I think has been very undervalued by Ireland. Only three competitive starts for Ireland and he is 28 years of age. It’s quite a stark statistic really for me,” Kenny told Extratime.

“I think if your full back is scoring goals it’s a really big asset. It’s great value for Tottenham.

“I really think it’s a great deal for Tottenham. Matt has showed his character by getting some late, late goals.

“Even for Ireland this year against Denmark, playing right back and scoring a header at the back post in a conventional right full position.

“For Wolves as well, we’ve seen him so many times scoring goals and popping up from that same position and assisting as well.

“I think Matt will get a good bit of game time under Jose Mourinho as he has developed himself into one of the best full backs around.”

TBR View:

The right-back position at Tottenham has long been an area in need of bolstering, with Serge Aurier the only recognised senior right-back at the club prior to Doherty’s arrival.

Given his age, Premier League and international experience, talent and homegrown status, not to mention the plaudits that have come his way, he certainly ticks all the boxes for Spurs.