Wolves defender Matt Doherty needs time to rediscover form

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Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Matt Doherty has seen his levels dip from the high standards he set last season and it’s been a fairly dull start.

But it would be foolish to write him off and the right-back needs time to get back to his best.

The 27-year-old missed a large spell of pre-season with a knee injury and has had to be thrown straight back into the action during a busy fixture schedule.

He’s played once in a Europa League qualifying tie against Pyunik and also in the three opening Premier league games, which have all been draws against Leicester City, Manchester United and Burnley.

Doherty was such a pivotal player for Wolves last season, scoring eight goals and supplying 10 assists in 45 games across all competitions.

The right wing-back fits perfectly into the system of manager Nuno Espirito Santo out wide and his goal return was superb, something that won’t have disappeared over the summer.

He’s yet to rediscover his golden touch going forward, but fans should opt to be patient with him as he returns to his best.

Adama Traore has emerged as genuine competition for the right wing-back role and impressed so far when called upon this campaign.

Wolves host Italian outfit Torino in a Europa League qualifying tie on Thursday night and lead 3-2 on aggregate.

It may be a wise idea to give Traore the nod in the wing-back role and give Doherty the night off, as there is no point in Nuno burning him out.

But Doherty will get a major lift from the upcoming international break and it will be no surprise to see him dazzling again on the right flank next month.