Glenn Hoddle has claimed that Matt Doherty does some ‘unusual’ things as a player and he needs to take his game in Tottenham Hotspur colours to the ‘next level’, as he told Premier League Productions (08/10/22 at 6:30 pm).
On Saturday, with Emerson Royal suspended following his sending-off in the north London derby, Antonio Conte brought the Spurs defender back into the XI as they beat Brighton 1-0 at the Amex Stadium.
The 30-year-old was at the top of his game at the start of the year, only for injury to end his season early and then find himself on the end of some brutal comments by his manager.
With questions being raised about Doherty’s game time under Conte this term – prior to the weekend’s game, he only played 22 minutes in the Premier League.
Conte proceeded to tell fans that he ‘doesn’t want to lose’ by picking the Republic of Ireland international – well, he put all of that to bed by helping his team pick up a valuable three points and a clean sheet.
Nonetheless, when analysing Doherty’s game and his return to the XI, Hoddle had some tough words to say about the versatile defender.
“He was so close to having what I would say is a good game after coming back in from his injury,” said Hoddle. “He just needs to go to that next level.
“He does some good things. But he also does some unusual things and he’s trying to work his own game out. He was getting better and better actually, getting the confidence, before he got the injury.
“I think he now has to start again. He has an opportunity. Emerson is out for a few games. Two more is it now? So, he has a chance to, maybe he won’t play in the European game (against Frankfurt), but against Everton, he will be back in there.”
EMERSON OR DOHERTY?
It will be interesting to see who Conte now sees as his first choice, especially given Doherty’s solid performance at the weekend and how he will only get better as the minutes stack up for him.
That answer won’t probably be known for a number of weeks because, for pure rotation sakes, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Emerson Royal is brought back into the XI for the visit of Frankfurt in the Champions League on Wednesday.
When Emerson returns from suspension, it will be interesting to see who Conte pushes for as his starter because that spot has been a problem area before and it seems as though it’s up for grabs.
And if those two don’t take it, then there is always a certain summer signing, Djed Spence, to pick from.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
