Jamie O’Hara has told TalkSPORT that Tottenham right-back Matt Doherty will admit himself that Newcastle defender Kieran Trippier is a better player on the right side of the defence – ahead of Sunday’s clash between the two sides.
Tottenham go into Sunday’s clash in North London against Newcastle in good form. However, they suffered defeat last time out, losing 2-0 to Manchester United at Old Trafford. Newcastle, meanwhile, earned a 1-0 win over Everton.
Doherty has started the last three games for Tottenham – with Emerson Royal sent off during the North London derby. Royal returns on Sunday, but it might be that Doherty remains in the starting line-up. He impressed prior to United.
Discussing the differences between the two sides on TalkSPORT’s YouTube channel ahead of the game, O’Hara compared Doherty and Trippier. He believes the ex-Tottenham man is better than his old side’s current right-back.
“I love Docherty. Great lad. One of my mates. But I think he would say himself he not really anywhere near Trippier’s level. Trippier has been at a top level for some time now,” O’Hara said, when comparing Trippier to the £15m Spurs ace.
O’Hara: Doherty will admit Newcastle defender Trippier is better
While it is perhaps a bit harsh to see he is a way off Trippier’s level, there is no doubting that the England right-back is far ahead of Doherty. Indeed, Trippier is getting better and better despite his age, and is better than any Spurs option.
It begs the question, why did Tottenham not consider a move to lure Trippier back to North London when joining Newcastle from Atletico Madrid in January? He would have been a smart, and astute signing – improving at Atletico.
Instead, Antonio Conte must continue to make do with the error-prone Royal, the inconsistent Doherty and rookie Djed Spence. Whether or not Doherty will be given a chance to start on Sunday, remains to be seen.
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