Tottenham Hotspur have finally brought in a right back, having failed to truly replace Kieran Trippier since his move to Atletico Madrid last summer.
On Sunday, Spurs confirmed the arrival of Matt Doherty from Wolverhampton Wanderers, handing him a four-year deal in a deal worth just £13.4million with no add-ons according to Football.London.
Doherty, 28, brings Premier League experience to this Spurs side, just like Joe Hart and Pierre-Emille Hojbjerg, Tottenham’s other signings this summer.
Given how high Jose Mourinho plays his right back, Doherty fits in well for Spurs, having contributed eight goals and 11 assists in the Premier League for Wolves across two seasons.
Much of the focus with Doherty is on his attacking play, but one stat sums up exactly why Mourinho has brought him to Tottenham.
Doherty won 133 aerial duels last season, more than any other full back in the Premier League, with James Tarkowski, Harry Maguire, Dan Burn, Jack O’Connell and John Egan – all centre backs – the only defenders above him.
Mourinho likes physicality across the pitch, and Doherty certainly provides that with his ability to defend the back post aerially whilst attacking crosses at the other end of the pitch with his ability in the air.
The Times reported in July that Mourinho felt Norwich City right back Max Aarons was too short to be brought to Tottenham, seemingly feeling he needed a bigger option.
Doherty brings exactly that, and whilst he is approaching his 30’s, he ticks the boxes for Spurs both going forward and defensively – and those aerial stats are surely a huge reason why Mourinho has signed him.
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