Glenn Hoddle has told The Analysis Show why Matt Doherty “drives me mad” when Antonio Conte uses the Ireland man on the left. Doherty is naturally right-sided, but Hoddle thinks he is easy to read on the left.
Doherty, 30, has enjoyed a slight resurgence under Conte of late – starting two of Tottenham’s last four Premier League matches, coming on for 45 minutes against Leicester, too. He played in both Carabao Cup semi-finals.
The ex-Wolves man has been linked with the exit door of late but Conte has used Doherty on the left flank, notably in both semi-finals. It has supposedly given Conte another use for the full-back, and a move now looks unlikely.
But ex-Spurs boss and Tottenham legend Hoddle has explained why Conte playing Doherty on the left is infuriating for him. He says, using right-footed Doherty on the left makes him easy to read – as he always cut on his right.
“I’ve seen Doherty play on the left side, and it drives me mad because when it goes out to him, he wants to cut inside and come on his stronger right foot. What you’re doing is, it tells the defender you only want to cut inside.”
Hoddle on Doherty: Should he stay at Tottenham this month?
Tottenham are supposedly looking to bring in a replacement for Emerson Royal. The Brazilian is first choice, while Japhet Tanganga is also an option. If a replacement does come in, Doherty might even be fourth choice.
On the left, Ryan Sessegnon and Sergio Reguilon are first choice on the left. While Doherty is getting game time at the moment, it is hardly going to last and if an offer comes in for the £15million (Mail) man – he needs to go.
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