‘Amazing’ player really should’ve been perfect for Conte, now he’s left Tottenham

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Matt Doherty has left Tottenham after being released on deadline day, bringing an end to one of the most baffling chapters of the Irishman’s career.

The so-called ‘amazing‘ defedner joined Spurs back in 2020 off the back of two remarkable with Wolves where he was brilliant as a wing-back in a back five.

Unfortunately, Doherty failed to live up to expectations and his time at Tottenham has been nothing short of a disappointment.

Despite being a player who was highly rated and a standout performer at Wolves, his form at Spurs has been poor and now he’s left for Atletico Madrid.

The thing is, things should’ve turned out so differently. Doherty genuinely looked like a perfect player for Antonio Conte a few years ago.

Conte’s reputation as one of the best managers in the game was built on his ability to get the best out of his players, particularly at wing-back.

The likes of Achraf Hakimi, Ivan Perisic, Victor Moses, Marcos Alonso and Ashley Young have all been transformed when playing as wing-back in a Conte system, but Doherty just didn’t manage to kick on.

The failure of Doherty also raises questions about Daniel Levy’s recruitment strategy at Tottenham.

While it’s true that every transfer doesn’t work out, the failure of Doherty to perform at Tottenham highlights the need for more careful consideration of player acquisitions. He was signed under a manager whose style didn’t suit him – Jose Mourinho, and by the time he got to work with Conte, his confidence has taken a hit and the Italian was unable to resurrect his career.

Conte’s inability to get the best out of the Irishman is a disappointment, and it’s a failure that will likely haunt the former Inter Milan manager as he could’ve had a real gem on his hands here.

It’s a failure that will likely hurt Conte, as Doherty is a player who, at his best could’ve helped Tottenham compete for top four.

Doherty’s release from Tottenham may well mark Antonio Conte’s biggest failure in North London. The Italian, quite simply, failed to get the best out of a player who had the ability to be a key figure in his team.