‘Quality’, ‘Dangerous in attack’ – some fans hail Wolves full-back after Espanyol win
Romain Saiss and Willy Boly drew plaudits from supporters for helping Wolverhampton Wanderers keep a clean sheet in Thursday’s 4-0 win over Espanyol, but Matt Doherty was given praise for his attacking performance at Molineux.
The 28-year-old started at right wing-back and had the most touches in the Wolves squad. He was diligent in his defensive duties and a threat going forward, even registering an assist for Diogo Joto. He collected a cross-field pass, cut inside, evaded a challenge, played a one-two with Leander Dendoncker and then fed Jota with a through ball who duly finished.
Matt Doherty was bloody marvellous for #wwfc tonight. One of the best wolves players on the pitch. Gets a lot of stick but was quality this evening
— Chris blue tick (@Staffs_chris85) February 20, 2020
https://twitter.com/GSD_wwfc/status/1230625914570117121?s=20
Jota plays better up top in a two and Doherty looks a better player without Adama in front of him 🤷♂️ #wwfc
— Liam Flecknor (@LiamFleck) February 21, 2020
Things we learnt from that game:
– Doherty is much more effective when Traoré isn’t playing or when we change to 3412
– Jota is MUCH better centrally in a front 2
– We take Boly for granted#wwfc— RN8 🇵🇹 (@RubenWWFC) February 20, 2020
Very true. Ironic, but we were far more effective and dangerous in attack, after Dendoncker replaced Adama. Also, as you say, Doherty really came to life. #wwfc
— Robin Marchesi (@robinmarchesi) February 20, 2020
Against Espanyol, Doherty played for 90 minutes, made 76 touches, won two aerial duels, created one chance which ended up as an assist, made two tackles, completed 80.9% of his 47 passes, made two interceptions, had one successful dribble, drew one foul and made two clearances.
The 28-year-old has made 34 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring and creating seven goals. Doherty will hope to take his fine form into Wolves’ next game against Norwich City on Sunday.