Gold: Tottenham star looks ‘so much thinner’, ‘working so hard’ behind scenes

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Alasdair Gold has told his YouTube channel that Tottenham defender Matt Doherty “looks so much thinner” and claims the Ireland international has been “working so hard behind the scenes” – following his side’s 2-0 win over Everton.

With Emerson Royal serving the second of his three-game Premier League ban on Saturday evening, Doherty started. The 30-year-old was excellent, with Gold reporting that the ex-Wolves man got a big “ovation” when subbed off.

Doherty was very involved throughout. WhoScored report that he had two shots, won two headers, completed 51 of 58 passes and won tackles. He reminded all, including Antonio Conte, what he is capable of on the right flank for Spurs.

Indeed, when Royal returns from his ban, Doherty could remain in the side. Speaking about Doherty, Gold shared just how much weight he thinks the defender has lost – pointing to the work he has been putting in behind the scenes.

“Matt Doherty has been working so, so hard behind the scenes. He really has. In Korea, he was among the top runners. You can see it physically. I was looking at him yesterday [Saturday] and comparing to photos before.

“So much leaner. He was Premier League fit before, but now, his cheekbones are so much more prominent, so much thinner. Must have lost so much weight. He got a really good ovation when he went off,” Gold said.

Gold: Tottenham defender Doherty looks so much thinner

Joining Spurs in 2020, Doherty has endured a difficult couple of years at Tottenham. Really, his best form only came towards the end of last season – before suffering a knee injury. That injury has hampered his start to this campaign.

That is, despite Gold saying he was one of the fittest players in Korea. But on Saturday evening, he looked as if he was back to his best – and that is despite the outing being only his second start of the season. He might have been rusty.

But testament to £15m Doherty. Under pressure given Royal could return to start following the ban, he has identified that this is an opportunity to start three games under Conte – and he certainly took that chance against Everton.